The governments of France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America welcome the announcement of a truce in Libya on the occasion of Eid el-Adha in response to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) with the support of the Security Council, according to APO group report.
The group in its press release stated that it invites all parties to effectively cease hostilities across Libya. It was indicated that the APO would stand ready to assist the UN Mission in monitoring the observance of the truce and address any attempt to break it.
It was also stated on the press release that this truce should be accompanied by confidence-building measures between the parties that can pave the way for a sustainable cease-fire and a return to a constructive and inclusive dialogue as proposed by the SRSG and reaffirmed by the Security Council, The SRSG called on all parties to start working with no delay on a ceasefire agreement and resume efforts under the auspices of the Special Representative of the United Nations, to build a lasting political solution, based the principles agreed upon in Paris, Palermo and Abu Dhabi.
The countries also recall the obligation under international law for all UN Member States to abide by the arms embargo, in line with all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to a quick and peaceful resolution of the Libyan crisis. It was stressed that there can be no military option in Libya and urged all parties to protect civilians, safeguard Libya’s oil resources and protect its infrastructure.
The governments condemned in the strongest terms the attack that targeted a UN convoy in Benghazi. It was noted that the circumstances of such vicious act must be established with no delay and those who were behind must be identified and held accountable.
The Ethiopian Herald, August 18/2019
BY MEHARI BEYENE
