Libyan factions announce ceasefire, Malta reiterates support for Libyan-led solution
Libya's UN-recognised government announced a ceasefire across the country on Friday, with hopes for peace in the conflict which has been going on for nine years being raised.
The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held in March, and for an end to an oil blockade imposed by rival forces since earlier this year.
GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj "issued instructions to all military forces to immediately cease fire and all combat operations in all Libyan territories," a statement said.
Al-Sarraj added the ultimate aim of the truce is to impose "full sovereignty over the Libyan territory and the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries."
Aguila Saleh, speaker of the rival eastern-based pro-Haftar House of Representatives, said: "A ceasefire blocks the way for foreign military interventions and ends with the expulsion of mercenaries and dissolving the militias in order to achieve comprehensive national sovereignty.”
The truce will make the strategic city of Sirte a temporary seat for a new presidential council to be guarded by security forces from various regions in the country, said Saleh.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the calls for a ceasefire, hoping they "will be respected immediately by armed forces from both sides," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
The European Union also welcomed the announcement, with its High Representative Josep Borrell saying it was "positive news coming from Libya" before adding that it was "crucial now that all parties stand by their statements."
Malta welcomes ceasefire
In discussions with Ahmed Mateegh, Deputy Prime Minister, and Mohamed Taher Siala, Minister of Foreign Affairs, of Libya on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Minister welcomed the news.
In a statement, the ministry said that Bartolo expressed Malta’s full support for the two declarations by the Government of National Accord and the House of Representatives in Tobruk to immediately cease all military activities in Libya.
“Both sides discussed at length the critical importance of interLibyan dialogue and the inclusion of all actors, including youth and women. The important role of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Central Bank of Libya to address the economic challenges and the needs of the Libyan People was also emphasised,” the statement read.
Throughout the discussions, Malta also reiterated its support for a Libyan-led and Libyanowned political solution, and its readiness to serve as a channel of communication towards this end.
“The unification of Libya remains imperative for the wellbeing and benefit of the Libyan people. In this spirt, the resumption of the negotiation process within the framework of the UNled Berlin Process is the way forward,” the Ministry said.
The Libyan Delegation was also received by President of Malta George Vella at San Anton Palace. Discussions focused on the latest developments in Libya and the need to ensure the economic development and social progress of Libya and the Libyan people.
In a tweet earlier on Sunday, President Vella also welcomed the ceasefire. “Very encouraging news coming out of Libya. Ceasefire, de-escalation, disarmament, decommissioning militias, dismissing mercenaries. The language of peace is replacing the language of war,” Vella said.