Egypt, France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States called on Tuesday for an immediate end of hostilities in Libya s Tripoli and the return to the UN-mediated political process.
In a joint press statement, the governments of Egypt, France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States reiterated their deep concern about ongoing hostilities in Tripoli, called for an immediate de-escalation and halt to the current fighting, and urged the prompt return to the UN-mediated political process.
"Persistent violence has claimed nearly 1,100 lives, displaced more than 100,000, and fueled a growing humanitarian emergency, " the joint statement read. It added that the ongoing confrontation threatened to destabilize Libya’s energy sector and " exacerbated the tragedy of human migration in the Mediterranean."
The countries signed the statement expressed their deep concern about the ongoing attempts by the terrorist groups to exploit the security vacuum in the country.
"We call on all parties to the Tripoli conflict to dissociate themselves from all such terrorists and individuals designated by the UN Sanctions Committee, and renew our commitment to see those responsible for further instability held accountable." The statement read.
The six countries declared their full support to the leadership of UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salamé and to his efforts to stabilize the situation in Tripoli and to create the conditions necessary for the resumption of the UN political process.
"We need to re-energize UN mediation, which aims to promote a transitional government representing all Libyans, prepare for credible parliamentary and presidential elections, enable a fair allocation of resources, and advance the reunification of the Central Bank of Libya and other Libyan sovereign institutions," The statement read.
The statement called on all UN member states to fully respect their obligations towards Libya’s peace and stability, to prevent destabilizing arms shipments, and to safeguard Libya s oil resources in accordance with Security Council resolutions
"Finally, we remind all Libyan parties and institutions of their responsibility to protect civilians, safeguard civilian infrastructure, and facilitate access to humanitarian supplies. " The statement concluded.
