Libyan PM al-Sarraj says he's for peace but ready for war if opposing side chooses it
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Fayez al-Sarraj, President of the Presidential Council of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), expressed his readiness on Tuesday evening to "make peace for the brave".
However, he added, he is ready to wage war if the opposing camp chooses it.
He was speaking the day after he signed the ceasefire agreement in Moscow, Russia, but the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Marshal Khalifa Haftar, left the Russian capital without signing it.
The document on a ceasefire brokered on Monday by Russia and Turkey intended to finalise the truce that went into force at midnight local time on Saturday was signed by Mr. al-Sarraj, while Marshal Haftar, after requesting a "cooling-off" period, left Moscow without signing the agreement.
Arriving in Tripoli on Tuesday evening with the delegation that accompanied him to Russia, Mr. al-Sartraj in a statement issued by the GNA said: "We are ready for the paths of peace that require courage in national constants. If they choose war, we are ready and confident in our capabilities."
The President of the Presidential Council and the accompanying delegation concluded a tour that took them to Italy, Turkey and Russia.
Mr. al-Sarraj was received on Tuesday evening at Maitiga International Airport by the Vice-President of the Presidential Council, Ahmed Maitig, Council Member Ahmed Hamza, several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, security chiefs and members of the House of Representatives and municipal councils, the statement said.
There was great disappointment following the failure to finalise the ceasefire agreement, which is still in force in the country despite skirmishes and minor violations reported by each side.
The Moscow meeting represented a great opportunity to move towards achieving peace in Libya, allowing the political process to resume as a prelude to a political agreement between the belligerents.
Germany's announcement that the Berlin International Conference on Libya will be held on Sunday provides an additional chance for a catch-up so that the ceasefire agreement is signed by Marshal Haftar, especially as it has been signed by Mr. al-Sarraj.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 15Jan2020
