Turkey denounces 'doomed initiatives' of Libya rivals

ISTANBUL: Turkey accused third parties of carrying out "doomed initiatives" to make ground in Libya's conflict on Wednesday, as it tried to bolster support for the Tripoli-based government.

Turkey supports UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), which is fighting for control of the country against eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar.

Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia all back Haftar's claims.

Turkey's National Security Council, which brings together the country's civilian and military leaders, said it would "stand by the people of Libya against any tyranny" in a statement issued after a meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The council accused third parties of trying to make ground "by acting together with the putschists" and reaffirmed its backing for the GNA.

Libya has been mired in chaos since the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with rival political and armed groups battling for control.

Tensions have mounted in recent weeks, with Egypt threatening to intervene militarily if the Ankara-backed GNA forces advanced towards the strategic city of Sirte.

Turkey has the "power and ability to obliterate the illegitimate bloc targeting Libya's legitimate government", Erdogan aide Fahrettin Altun tweeted after the meeting.

The council also discussed the energy activities in the eastern Mediterranean -- an area of tensions especially with Greece -- and said there was "firm determination" to protect Turkey's rights in the region.

Altun commented: "Today, as always, we inform the world that there can be no successful project or initiative, anywhere between Turkey's neighbourhood and the Mediterranean's farthest parts, despite our objections.

"There will be no accomplishment in this part of the world without Turkey's approval."