Geneva Political Dialogue on Libya to Go ahead Despite Tensions

Arab World

February 26th, 7:07am

Cairo – Khaled Mahmoud and Jamal Jawhar

People wave Libyan flags as they gather during celebrations commemorating the 9th anniversary of the revolution at Martyrs' Square, Tripoli, Libya, February 17, 2020. (Reuters)

The Libyan National Army (LNA) and Government of National Accord (GNA) traded accusations on Tuesday over the violation of a UN-brokered ceasefire in Tripoli. Despite the tensions, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced that the Geneva ceasefire talks will be held as scheduled on Wednesday. Five western powers and the European Union also voiced support for the talks. "The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States (as well as the EU mission) welcome the considerable progress in the UN-facilitated talks in Geneva toward a lasting ceasefire in Libya," they said in a joint statement. "We call on all parties to reject obstructionism and engage in good faith as Libya moves forward with its democratic transition." In a tweet, the UN mission welcomed “the support announced by the international community to the three-track Libyan dialogue, the most recent of which was the joint statement by the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, UK, United States and European Union, in addition to Saudi Foreign Minister's statements to the media yesterday.” UNSMIL spokesman Jean Alam insisted Tuesday that the "Libyan Political Dialogue will start tomorrow as planned” despite the parliament and High State Council’s insistence on suspending their participation in the talks. They had demanded that certain conditions be met before they head to Geneva. The UNSMIL renewed “its call to the various Libyan parties to put the interests of Libya and the Libyans above all other considerations in order to swiftly end the suffering of their own people, who pay a heavy price for every day of delay.” UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame had held talks in Geneva with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the 43rd Human Rights Council. They tackled the developments in Libya and efforts to support security and stability. GNA chief Fayez al-Sarraj also attended the council. He held talks with EU ambassadors, underscoring the “historic and geographic relations that bind Libya with Europe.” Sarraj said the developments in Libya negatively or positively affect its neighbors and Europe and “we must therefore, contribute effectively in resolving the Libyan crisis.” “The beginning of resolving the crisis starts with ending foreign meddling that has only exacerbated the situation,” read a statement from his office. On the ground, the LNA accused GNA forces of violating the ceasefire in Tripoli. LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari said pro-GNA militias, backed by Turkish soldiers, shelled with heavy artillery civilian locations south of Tripoli. “Our forces are still committed to the ceasefire and did not respond to the source of fire,” he stressed. The GNA, meanwhile, blamed the shelling on the LNA, accusing it of injuring five civilians, including three children, in an attack on the Abou Slim region south of the capital. Meanwhile, the Arab League urged on Tuesday the need to reach a “permanent halt in military operations in Libya.” In a statement, it noted the progress reached in the second round of talks between the GNA and LNA in Geneva.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2150231/geneva-political-dialogue-libya-go-ahead-despite-tensions