US, France, Italy and UK welcome Tripoli ceasefire agreement
The governments of France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States have welcomed the United Nations-brokered ceasefire that ended weeks of battles between rival militias fighting for the control of the Libyan capital Tripoli.
Image/CIA
The agreement, brokered by United Nations Mission in Libya head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame, the Government of National Unity (GNU) and representatives of armed groups, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as of September 4.
“We reiterate our strong support for Special Representative Ghassan Salame as he works to realize an immediate and durable cessation of hostilities in the Libyan capital, which is critical to advancing the political process in accordance with the United Nations Action Plan.
“As the Secretary-General noted on September 2, all parties should immediately cease hostilities and abide by the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United Nations. We call on all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine today’s ceasefire announcement, jeopardize the security of civilians, or set back Libyan efforts to advance the political process and move forward in the spirit of compromise,” the four powers said in a joint communique.
The Western coalition also reiterated its support for Presidency Council head Fayez al-Sarraj of the Government of National Accord (GNA)’ in working with the UN to promote reconciliation towards a Libyan-led solution to the country’s political and security crises.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior under the Presidency Council/GNA government says public safety around Tripoli is improving following the re-activation of the security services.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said over 1800 households which escaped fighting in Tripoli have sought refuge in the neighbouring city of Bani Walid since August 27.
The majority of the displaced families originated from the conflict-ridden suburbs of Ain Zara, Salah Eddin, Qasr Gashir, Ben Aoun and Khallat Al Furian in Southern Tripoli.
