French officials hinted to Khalifa Haftar – the commander of the Libyan self-styled army – their support for his intended military operations to control Tripoli, London-based Al-Arab newspaper reported Saturday, citing sources close to Haftar. The newspaper said Haftar met with French officials, including the Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of Palermo Conference on November 12-13, discussing his intent to militarily advance on Tripoli and thus receiving a go-ahead signal from the French days later.