The Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj said Khalifa Haftar has not been a true peace partner, saying he used to think Haftar was part of the Libyan aspiration for stability.

In a meeting on Tuesday with elders and shura councils' members of Sahil and Mountain districts in western Libya, Al-Sarraj said the attacks of Haftar's forces, which coincided with UN Secretary General's first visit to Libya, wouldn't have taken place if Haftar had not received support from some countries.

He also said that the fighting in Tripoli is not a battle between east and west Libya but a battle between those who want a military rule and those who defend democracy and the civilian state.

"I call on eastern Libya's residents to listen to wisdom and recognize that the war is led by a person for his own benefit using your sons as a fuel to this war." Al-Sarraj added.

Likewise, the Head of the High Council of State Khalid Al-Mishri said they won't be part of any dialogue that involves Haftar, saying dialogue with Haftar is only through the Chief of Staff.

"Haftar's attack is a war crime and a terrorist act and the evidence is his forces' airstrikes on the airport and residential areas as well as the recruitment of underaged boys." Al-Mishri said.

He also said that Haftar's attack came as the UN envoy was giving assurances that there wouldn't be any military operations and that Haftar assured foreign countries that he would finish the battle in 24 hours.

He also called on Cyrenaica people to take the side of the Presidential Council's government and end the attack on Tripoli.

Al-Mishri said the UNSMIL is responsible for sending the right message to the international community about who the attackers and who the defenders are in this offensive, saying there hasn't been a clear stance by the international community or the Arab League regarding the attack.