Libyans gather at the Martyrs' Square in Tripoli on August 17, 2023 following recent deadly clashes.(Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)
Tripoli: Libya's UN-recognised unity government on Thursday dismissed accusations it had promised part of Al-Khoms to its ally Turkey as a naval base after days of protests in the port city.
"What is being said about the state ceding or authorising the use of the maritime port of Al-Khoms as a foreign naval base is incorrect and without foundation," government spokesman Mohamed Hamuda said in a dockside visit, accompanied by top naval and port officials.
His comments followed days of protests in the city 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Tripoli, during which access roads to the docks have been blocked with burning tyres.
Calling on residents to exercise restraint, Hamuda warned that anyone who harmed the public interest would face prosecution.
Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah "attaches great importance" to the port, one of the busiest in Libya, and has plans to expand it to boost foreign trade, the spokesman said.
