EU hails 'important and positive' Libya ceasefire deal

European Union diplomatic chief Josep Borrell hailed an "important and positive" initiative, adding it was "crucial now that all parties stand by their statements".

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab Staff

22 August, 2020

European Union diplomatic chief Josep Borrell hailed an "important and positive" initiative [Getty]

The European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell praised Libya's ceasefire agreement as "important and positive" and called on all factions in the North Africa state to keep their commitments.

"Important and positive news coming from #Libya on a ceasefire and the resumption of a political process," Borrell tweeted.

"Crucial now that all parties stand by their statements. All Libyans deserve a political solution and a return to stability and peace."

Libya's warring rival factions announced on Friday that they would cease all hostilities and organise elections, a move widely welcomed by the UN and several countries.

Friday's statements were signed by Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-recognised unity Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital Tripoli, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of the eastern-based parliament backed by warlord Khalifa Haftar.

Sarraj called for "presidential and parliamentary elections next March", and for the "end of all combat operations".

Saleh also backed elections - though he did not specify a date - and urged "all parties" to observe "an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of all fighting."

Both leaders called for the resumption of the production and export of oil, a cornerstone of Libya's wealth.

The UN's top official to Libya, Stephanie Williams, welcomed the move and called for "all parties to rise to this historic occasion and shoulder their full responsibilities before the Libyan people".