World powers call for end to Tripoli offensive
The foreign ministers of the G7 urged all involved parties to immediately halt all military activity and movements toward Tripoli
MUSCAT: World powers have called for an end to hostilities in Libya after fighting erupted in the country.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) said, “We urge all involved parties to immediately halt all military activity and movements toward Tripoli, which are hindering prospects for the UN-led political process, putting civilians in danger, and prolonging the suffering of the Libyan people.”
The ministers called on all Libyan actors to show restraint and willingness to compromise and put the interests of the Libyan people first, while reiterating that Libya’s oil facilities, production, and revenues belong to the Libyan people, and must not be used by any party for political gain.
“We firmly believe that there is no military solution to the Libyan conflict. We strongly oppose any military action in Libya. Any Libyan actor or faction that precipitates further civil conflict are harming innocent people and standing in the way of the peace that Libyans deserve,” the statement read.
Forces loyal to Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar began an offensive against Tripoli last Thursday, marking a deep escalation in the country’s political crisis. The internationally-recognised unity government led by Prime Minister Fayyaz AlSarraj is based in the capital and the offensive was launched while the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was in the city.
Speaking before his departure from the country on Friday, Guterres said, “I leave Libya with a deep concern and a heavy heart. I still hope it will be possible to avoid a bloody confrontation in and around Tripoli. The UN remain available to facilitate any political solution able to unify the Libyan institutions.
“Whatever happens, the UN will remain committed, and I will remain committed, to support the Libyan people. Libyans deserve peace, security, prosperity and the respect of their human rights,” he added.
In another statement, the Governments of France, Italy, the UAE, the UK and the US called for the immediate deescalation of tensions.
“Our governments oppose any military action in Libya and will hold accountable any Libyan faction that precipitates further civil conflict,” they warned.
Russia also called for an end to fighting in the country.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov also told Haftar in a conversation that Russia supports the mediation of the United Nations and the UN Special Envoy for Libya Ghassan Salame.
Haftar is reported to have claimed that his actions are aimed at intensifying the fight against terrorist and extremist groups in various parts of the country, including Tripoli.
According to Haftar, such groups “pose a danger to the stability of the Libyan society and impede the implementation of agreements on the establishment of a sustainable intra-Libyan inclusive political process.”
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Libya’s Emergency Department of Health said at least one man was killed in clashes on Sunday.
“As a result of violent clashes in southern Tripoli, a doctor treating victims in Wadi al-Rabee area (southern Tripoli) was killed, while another civilian was injured,” Osama Ali, a spokesman of the ministry.
The spokesman demanded ceasefire in order to allow emergency teams to reach civilians trapped in conflict areas.
Eight Tunisian nationals were trapped inside a clinic in the area, and another group were trapped in a farm, Ali added.
The state-owned General National Company said the clashes damaged power lines in southern Tripoli and caused a blackout in the area.
Since the fall of its former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has struggled to make a democratic transition and has faced chaotic infighting and political instability.