Arab League chief hails Libyan permanent ceasefire as ‘great accomplishment’

CAIRO – 23 October 2020: Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Friday hailed a permanent ceasefire agreement signed between Libyan rival forces at the UN-sponsored talks in Geneva, calling it “a great national accomplishment”.

Aboul Gheit said the agreement will maintain security and stability in the Libyan state.

He also hailed “the high spirit of courage and patriotism” shown by the Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army.

Aboul Gheit praised the pivotal role made by the UN mission in Libya.

He urged the two Libyan sides to abide by the agreement, secure full production of oil and resumption of exports and get all mercenaries and foreign troops out of the Libyan lands.

He urged the two sides to seize the opportunity and prepare for the convocation of the UN-sponsored political dialogue forum to reach a national consensus that could pave the way for holding the long-hoped-for presidential and legislative elections.

He renewed the Arab League's commitment to backing Libyan brothers to reach a political settlement away from foreign interference and armed militias.

On October 21, 2020, the United Nations (UN) Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie William said the two Libyan delegations to the 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks have agreed on issues that “directly impact the lives and welfare of the Libyan people,” noting that the thorny work to cement a ceasefire in the restive North African country will continue.

Egypt welcomed the permanent ceasefire agreement in Libya, said Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Hafez in a statement, calling on the countries involved in the Libyan affairs to contribute to the effort of ensuring the ceasefire.

“The success achieved today came as a continuation of the first face-to-face meeting hosted by Egypt in Hurghada late September,” Hafez said.

Hafez expressed Egypt's support and aspiration to continue the political efforts exerted by the UN envoy to Libya to achieve the main goal.

MENA contributed to the reporting.