Italy welcomes Libyan immediate ceasefire initative

CAIRO – 21 August 2020: Italy welcomed on Frirday the cease-fire initiative that has been declared by Libyan Speaker of the House of Representatives Agila Saleh and head of the Presidency Council Fayez Al-Sarraj as a step for the departure of all mercenaries in Libya.

 

In a statement, the Italian Foreign Ministry expressed its hope that the recent developments regarding the resumption of oil production in Libya will witness concrete implementation on the ground.

 

The statement further indicated that the recent developments resulting from the statements of the Presidential Council and the House of Representatives represent a bold and important step towards the stability of Libya.

 

Italy further stressed its support for "continuous and effective efforts of the United Nations within the framework of the Berlin process with its main partners in the European Union."

 

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also welcomed the initiative, claiming it an important step to achieve a political settlement and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people to restore stability and prosperity in Libya and to preserve the capabilities of its people.

 

Both Libyan leaders called for demilitarize the oil-rich area of Jafa-Sirte. The Libyan government, headed by Sarraj, called for holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections in March, Al-Arabiya reported.

 

Agila said that they are looking forward to making Sirte a temporary headquarters for the coming new presidential council.

 

Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General (ASRSG) for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Stephanie Williams also welcomed the initiative.