In Talks with Sisi, Trump Welcomes Egypt’s Ceasefire Proposal for Libya

Arab World

June 10th, 5:51pm

Asharq Al-Awsat

A journalist covers the frontline during clashes between the LNA and GNA, south of Tripoli, May 25, 2019. (AFP)

US President Donald Trump welcomed on Wednesday Egypt's proposal for Libya ceasefire in a call with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, said the Egyptian Presidency. Egypt called for a ceasefire starting on Monday, as part of an initiative which also proposed an elected leadership council for Libya. Russia and the UAE welcomed the plan, while Germany said UN-backed talks were key to the peace process. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday welcomed the resumption of talks led by the United Nations between Libya’s warring sides and urged speedy negotiations to achieve a ceasefire. “The agreement between the GNA and LNA to re-enter UN security talks was a good first step, very positive,” Pompeo said in a news conference, referring to the Government of National Accord and Libyan National Army, commanded by Khalifa Haftar. “Quick and good-faith negotiations are now required to implement a ceasefire and relaunch the UN-led intra-Libyan political talks,” Pompeo said. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on June 2 said Libya’s warring parties had agreed to restart ceasefire talks. The US has lambasted Russian involvement in the conflict, a stance reiterated on Wednesday by Pompeo. “It’s time ... for all Libyans and all sides to act so that neither Russia or any other country can interfere in Libya’s sovereignty for its own game,” Pompeo said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump discussed Libya in a call on Monday. Erdogan said the two agreed on “some issues” on Libya. Turkey dismissed Egypt’s ceasefire proposal as an attempt to save Haftar following the losses he suffered on the battlefield.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2327681/talks-sisi-trump-welcomes-egypt%E2%80%99s-ceasefire-proposal-libya