'US concerned about foreign interference, mercenary involvement in Libyan conflict'
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United States has expressed concern at the growing involvement of foreign governments and mercenaries in the Libyan conflict, a situation likely to stoke tensions and perpetuate the war in the North African country.
The Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord denounced the presence of Russian mercenaries alongside the troops of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army (LNA), in the Tripoli war, while the UN Envoy has also deplored the interference of foreign countries which he did not name, in the ongoing conflict in Libya.
U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland deplored the interference during a meeting on Wednesday with Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bachaga of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), according to a statement released on Thursday by the US embassy.
The US diplomat also expressed concern "about the increasing number of civilian casualties", the statement said, adding that the meeting "discussed ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Tripoli".
Since 4 April, clashes have been raging on the outskirts of Tripoli between the forces of the LNA from the wast, and troops loyal to the Tripoli-based GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj.
The fighting has killed more than 1,100 people, including about 100 civilians and wounded 5,800, including 380 civilians, according to the latest death toll in July. More than 120,000 people have also been displaced from the areas of armed clashes.
Intense international efforts are being made to hold a conference in Berlin, Germany, a process involving the major member of the Security Council, aimed at adopting a resolution imposing a ceasefire, deploying neutral observers and to encourage the belligerents to take confidence-building measures through the exchange of prisoners and remains.
A committee will be set up at the summit of heads of state in Berlin, scheduled for early December, to monitor and implement the agreement, which will eventually be concluded between the Libyans.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 7Nov2019
