Washington calls for 'demilitarized solution' in Sirte and al-Jafra in Libya
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United States has called for a demilitarized solution in Sirte and al-Jafra, Libya, where a large mobilization of troops is currently taking place by Libya's warring parties, calling for compliance with the arms embargo and the finalization of a ceasefire under the auspices of the United Nations.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the White House National Security Adviser, Robert C. O'Brien called on all parties -- those responsible for the current escalation and those working to stop it -- to allow the Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) to resume its vital work, in full transparency, and to implement a demilitarized solution for Sirte and al-Jafra.
He urged respect for the UN arms embargo and finalizing a ceasefire as part of the UN-led 5+5 military talks.
"The United States is deeply troubled by the escalation of the conflict in Libya. We strongly oppose foreign military involvement, including the use of private mercenaries and military contractors on all sides," the statement said.
It denounced the continued efforts of foreign powers to exploit the conflict, for example, by establishing a lasting military presence or exercising control over resources belonging to the Libyan people saying these pose serious threats to regional stability and global trade.
According to the U.S. official, "these efforts undermine the collective security interests of the United States and our allies and partners in the Mediterranean region", stressing that the escalation will only deepen and prolong the conflict.
He recalled that in recent weeks, US President Donald Trump had spoken with several world leaders about Libya, and it was clear that there was no 'winning' camp.
"Libyans can only win if they unite to reclaim their sovereignty and rebuild a unified country," he said, adding that "as an active but neutral player, the United States pursues a 360-degree diplomatic engagement with Libyan and external stakeholders throughout the conflict to find a solution that supports Libyan sovereignty and protects the common interests of the United States. , our allies and partners".
Libya has two rival governments -- the Tripoli-based internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and the House of Representatives in the eastern city of Tobruk supported by the Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who leads the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The United States has accused Russia of sending mercenaries from the Wagner Group to support Haftar and his LNA, saying that they are present in Sirte with offensive military equipment.
GNA is supported mainly by Turkey while LNA is supported by Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Russia and France. Turkey recently helped the GNA to break the stranglehold LNA had on the capital, Tripoli, for about 14 months that caused the deaths of scores of people, hundreds of thousands displaced and infrastructure destroyed.
The LNA has also since 18 January caused the closure of oil terminals leading a huge drop in production of more than 800,000 barrels per day and a shortfall of more than US$7.4 billion, the NOC said.
Libya has known no peace since the North African country's strongman Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in the Arab Spring in 2011.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 5Aug2020
