Libya's PM leaves Tripoli after clashes

CAIRO - 17 May 2022: Libya's Prime Minister Fat'hi Bashagha and a number of ministers have left the capital, Tripoli, hours after their attempt to enter the city triggered clashes, the media office of the interim Libyan government announced Tuesday.

Bashagha’s office said he and his ministers left Tripoli later Tuesday “for the sake of the security and safety of citizens and to stop the bloodshed.”

Appointed by Libya's parliament, Bashagha entered Tripoli overnight but withdrew hours later on Tuesday as fighting rocked the capital, the Libyan News Agency quoted the office as saying.

The UN special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, meanwhile, urged calm and for rival parties to engage in talks to resolve their disputes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Tuesday Egypt's concern about the developments in Tripoli, reiterating the necessity of maintaining pacification in Libya as well as preserving lives, properties, and resources of the Libyan people.

The ministry urged all Libyan parties to practice self-restraint, and abstain from taking any steps that would foment violence. Egypt also underscored the inevitability of a dialogue that is aimed at holding presidential and parliamentary elections contemporarily and without delay.