The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution that calls for a lasting cease-fire in war-torn Libya, reported UN News.
The eastern government and the Libyan National Army, led by General Khalifa Haftar, are fighting for control over the country with the UN-recognized Government of National Accord. Haftar’s forces are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russian mercenaries, while the GNA’s main backer is Turkey.
Drafted by Britain, the resolution was passed by 14 votes out of 15, with Russia abstaining. It mandates a ceasefire without preconditions and an immediate end to the supply of arms to the warring sides.
The resolution reaffirms strong support for the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and its head, Special Representative Ghassan Salamé. It underlines the commitments made by the leaders of 12 world powers and other key countries at last month’s Berlin Conference
The resolution insists on full compliance with a UN arms embargo that has been repeatedly shattered. It also recalls the commitment of all participants at the Berlin meeting to refrain from interfering in Libya’s conflict and its internal affairs and expresses concern “over the growing involvement of mercenaries in Libya”.
In related news, the UN mission to Libya on Wednesday accused Haftar’s forces of blocking flights carrying UN staff to Libya.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that the lack of flight clearance from Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) could impact a fragile peace process in the war-torn country and hinder the much needed humanitarian assistance to some of the most vulnerable conflict-affected civilians.
“The UN in Libya regrets that its regular flights that transport our staff to and from Libya have not been granted permission by the Libyan National Army to land in Libya,” said Dujarric. “This practice has been repeated on several occasions in the past weeks.”
