Libya: European Union Calls Out Both Parties To End Military Operations Immediately

The European Union on Tuesday urged both the parties involved in the Libyan conflict to immediately end military operations in Libya and engage constructively in peace negotiations, reported Reuters.

Eastern-based Haftar has since last year sought to regain control over the west, fighting the GNA in an attempt to seize the capital Tripoli. In March, Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) launched Operation Peace Storm to counter attacks on the capital and recently regained strategic locations, including Al-Watiya airbase and the strategic city of Tarhuna.

The joint statement signed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Italy, called on the conflict parties in Libya to swiftly agree on a ceasefire.

“We urge all Libyan and International parties to effectively and immediately stop all military operations and engage constructively in the 5+5 negotiations,” the statement read.

The joint statement also called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries and military equipment supplied in violation of the UN arms embargo from all regions of Libya.

 Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) is backed by Turkey, while Haftar’s forces have support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

The statement followed increased diplomatic efforts by Germany to push for a political solution to the Libya crisis.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed her concern over the recent escalation of fighting in Libya. On Monday, Merkel also discussed Libya’s situation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the speaker of the east Libya-based parliament Aquila Saleh and warlord Khalifa Haftar had agreed on a political initiative on Saturday. The Cairo Declaration calls for a ceasefire in Libya as of Monday and proposes a new assembly to form the House of Representatives and Presidential Council.

Notably, no members of Libya’s internationally recognized government or their international allies were present at the conference in Cairo.