Panafrican News Agency

Heads of French, US diplomacies want immediate ceasefire in Libya

Paris, France (PANA) – The French foreign affairs minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, held talks on the phone with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during which they discussed, among other issues, the situation prevailing in Libya.

They also called for immediate end to the fighting that broke out on 4 April in Tripoli between the forces of Marshall Khalifa Haftar and those loyal to Fayez Al Serraj.

"The two officials reviewed the security situation in Tripoli, expressing their desire for an immediate ceasefire, as well as the resumption of the UN-backed political process," said the French foreign affairs ministry. 

The head of the French diplomacy also held talks on the phone with the special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Ghassan Salamé. They discussed the security and humanitarian situation in Tripoli.

"Jean-Yves Le Drian raised France’s worry over the situation which is working against the peace efforts undertaken in Libya with the support of the international community and which populations are the first victims. He called for ceasefire and the immediate reopening of dialogue to relaunch the credible peace process under the aegis of the United Nations on quick election process," said the French foreign affairs ministry.   

It added that the French minister reassured the special representative of France’s full support to his mediation and praised the courage he shows, with his teams, in the continuation of his mission.  

"France is determined to carry on its efforts along with the Libyans, its European partners and Libya’s neighbors to find negotiated outcome of the conflict whose resolution is huge challenge for Europe’s security, stability on the Mediterranean and Sahel and the management of migrations," said the French foreign affairs ministry. 

-0- PANA BM/IS/MSA/VAO 19April2019