Al-Sarraj urges the African Union to play leading role in the resolution of the Libyan crisis
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Unity, Fayez al-Sarraj, said that foreign interference in Libyan affairs has led to divisions in the country, calling on the African Union (AU) to play a central role in resolving the crisis in Libya.
In a speech at the Russia-Africa Summit, which began on Wednesday in the city of Sochi, Mr. al-Sarraj described the Summit as "an important event in the history of African-Russian relations".
He added: "I have come to carry the cause of my country through an exceptional phase and a serious crisis caused by negative foreign interference in Libyan affairs, which has led to a political and institutional division, aggravated by military aggression against its capital and its suburbs, encouraged by external funding and military support from some countries, in flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions".
Clashes have been raging for more than seven months on the outskirts of Tripoli, between the forces of the Libyan National Army based in the East and led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar and the troops of the Army loyal to al-Sarraj, based in Tripoli and recognized by the international community.
Mr. Al-Sarraj recalled that the war in the capital broke out as a national conference was being prepared to bring together all Libyans to find a political solution to the crisis in their country.
"The aggression has undermined their aspirations and the efforts of the international community," he lamented.
He called for "condemnation of abuses committed by attacking militias and serious violations constituting war crimes, as well as the distinction between the aggressor and the aggressed, who exercise their right of self-defense and protect civilians".
Mr. Al-Sarraj reaffirmed his commitment to the option of peace, referring to his initiative launched last June to organize a national conference that will pave the way for simultaneous presidential and legislative elections.
He referred to the consequences of the situation in Libya on neighbouring countries, which requires a unified African position, calling on the African Union to play a central role in efforts to find a solution to the crisis "given the disastrous consequences of its continuation, not only in Libya, but in all African countries".
He participated on Thursday in the work of the summit, the first of its kind, which discussed the prospects for relations between Russia and the countries of the continent and ways to strengthen them in various areas.
At the opening of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia wanted to cooperate with Africa without any political interference in its affairs.
-0- PANA BY/BEH/MTA/VAO 24Oct2019
