Panafrican News Agency

U.S. renews calls for de-escalation in Libya

Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States says it is "deeply concerned" by renewed threats of violent confrontation in Tripoli and calls for immediate de-escalation by all sides.

In a statement issued by Mr. Ned Price, Spokesperson for the US State Deartment, it stressed that the vast majority of Libyans seek to choose their leadership peacefully through elections.

"We call on those who risk once again being dragged into violence to put down their arms and in particular urge Libya’s leaders to recommit themselves without delay to identifying a constitutional basis for presidential and parliamentary elections," the US said.

It pointed out that the ongoing instability is a reminder of the urgent need for the appointment of a new UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya to resume mediation efforts, with unified support from the international community.

"The United States will amplify our calls for calm and recommitment to elections during the August 30 UN Security Council briefing and consultations on Libya," the statement said.

Libya has has seen clashes between various factions, especially following the suspension of the 24 December 2021 general elections and the appointment of a second government by the eastern-based parliament which does not recognise the Tripoli-based government that is recognised by the international community.

-0- PANA MA 23Aug2022