EU urges a 'negotiated political solution' for Libya's conflict
Ahram Online, , Wednesday 22 Jul 2020


The European Union (EU) urged a "negotiated political solution" for the Libyan conflict within the framework of the UN-led Berlin process.



"The only responsible response in the interest of Libya, Libyans and the whole region is to increase collective efforts towards a negotiated political solution. We all took strong commitments within the framework of the UN-led Berlin process on Libya. It is high time to translate them into concrete actions and stop foreign interference in Libya", the EU said in a statement on Tuesday.



"The European Union will continue to reach out to all international, regional and Libyan stakeholders to encourage them to return to the Berlin spirit of compromise and to the political negotiations that should pave the way to a Libyan-led transition which is the only option to bring stability and peace to the Libyan people."



On Wednesday, Turkey and Russia agreed to jointly work on creating the conditions required for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire in Libya.Moscow and Ankara also said they will consider establishing a joint working group and push for an intra-Libyan dialogue.



Forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA), who are supported by Turkey, are reportedly planning to launch an attack on the port city of Sirte and Al-Jufra, which has a major military airbase.



The GNA backed by Turkish troops, Syrian mercenaries and Qatar, is based in Tripoli and controls Libya’s western and northwestern areas. According to a recent report by the US Defense Department, Turkey sent between 3,500 and 3,800 Syrian mercenaries to Libya fin the first three months of this year.



The Libyan National Army (LNA), allied with the Tobruk-based House of Representatives, controls Libya’s oil-rich, eastern regions. Egypt, France, Russia and the UAE back the LNA.

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