UN calls for immediate de-escalation in Libya to focus on fighting coronavirus
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday evening called on the warring parties in Libya to cease hostilities and focus on the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.
This follows a new military escalation with armed clashes and the intensification of shelling even after the announcement of the first positive case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the troubled country.
In a series of tweets, UNSMIL called for "immediate de-escalation, including the cessation of hostilities, demobilization of forces and an end to the influx of foreign fighters and weapons", stressing that "Libyans must focus on the fight against COVID-19."
"While the whole world is engaged in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, which has overwhelmed several resource-rich countries, attacks and counter-attacks in Libya continue to inflict further suffering and civilian casualties," noted the UN mission in another tweet.
UNSMIL "reminded all parties to the conflict in Libya of their obligations, in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights, and to ensure the protection of civilians".
Armed clashes broke out on Wednesday morning between troops loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) and forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar around the al-Wattia military base in the southwest.
Shelling of residential areas in Tripoli and its outskirts has also intensified in recent days injuring four people.
These are in violation of the humanitarian truce agreed by the warring parties to give local authorities the opportunity to to cope with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bombings targeted the areas of al-Sbia, Bab Ben Ghachir, Ras Hassan, Tarik al-Sour and Bir Touta in Tripoli, as well as the building housing the Relief and Emergency Board.
Libya has recorded its first confirmed case of Covid-19 infection, a 73-year-old man who returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia.
This situation presents a great challenge for the country's authorities, faced with insecurity and a failing health system, although measures have been taken to deal with this pandemic.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 26March2020
