UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame has warned against maintaining the status quo in Libya and invited the country’s officials to launch initiatives to reach consensus.

His comments came during his meeting with members of the Libyan parliament on Friday.

Salame met on Thursday night with Libyan Army Commander Marshall Khalifa Haftar, with whom he discussed the political process and latest developments, according to statements issued separately by the two officials.

They also admitted that the UN plan for holding presidential and parliamentary elections before the end of this year was facing many obstacles.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission expressed its deep concern over the military escalation in Sabha, southern Libya, and said in a statement that the arbitrary use of weapons in densely populated areas must be stopped, noting that at least six civilians were killed and nine were injured in the city.

In this context, the Government of National Accord, headed by Fayez al-Sarraj announced the formation of a committee that would also include representatives from the Parliamentary and State Councils, to conclude a truce in Sabha, which is witnessing severe tension since last week.

The Presidential Council said in a statement that it “deeply regrets developments in the city of Sabha, and the clashes and fighting between Libyan brothers, in violation of their reconciliation agreement.”

The Council added that it “stands at an equal distance from all parties, and urges them to resort to dialogue and understanding.”

Comments