The governments of France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed that there can be no military solution to the Libyan crisis and have said that they are “dismayed” that parties have not respected the calls for a ceasefire following the recent meetings in Ghadames and Tripoli.
While the countries have condemned the crimes of Ansar Al-Sharia entities and have recognised that Libya’s “hard fought freedom” is at risk if Libyan and international terrorist groups are allowed to use Libya as a safe haven, they have also expressed concern regarding retired general Khalifa Hafter’s attacks in Benghazi.
“We consider that Libya’s security challenges and the fight against terrorist organisations can only be sustainably addressed by regular armed forces under the control of a central authority which is accountable to a democratic and inclusive parliament,” the western nations said in a statement Saturday.
Pledging their full support to United Nations Special Representative to Libya Bernadino Leon, the five states urged all parties to cooperate with his efforts to facilitate negotiations with the aim of coming to an agreement on the location for the House of Representatives and laying the foundation for a Government of National Unity.
The group added that it stood ready to use individual sanctions in accordance with UNSCR 2174 against “those who threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya or obstruct or undermine the political process”.
Stressing the importance of a united stand on Libya within the international community based on agreements at recent meetings in New York and Madrid, the group strongly encouraged all partners to refrain from actions that might exacerbate current divisions in order to allow Libyans to address the situation within the framework of the UN-facilitated talks.
By Libya Herald staff
