Need to stop escalation in Libya

The escalation in Libya is a matter of serious concern and all sides involved in the conflict should realise that there can be no military solution to the ongoing crisis, but only a political one.

The Libyan people have suffered for too long and all that they are looking for is peace and development.

Prolonged political instability has added to their problems.

It is hence necessary that warring parties exercise total restraint.

The governments of the UAE, France, Italy, UK, and the US have already expressed deep concern about the fighting around the Libyan city of Gharyan and rightly called on all parties to stop the escalation immediately.

The five powerful countries have made their stand clear: “At this critical moment of transition in Libya, taking the military position and threats of unilateral action will only risk dragging Libya into chaos. We strongly believe that there is no military solution to the conflict in Libya.”

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while heading the UAE’s delegation to the Arab League Council last month, asserted the UAE’s support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Libya, Dr Ghassan Salamé, who sought to come to an agreement through a political solution which guaranteed the return of security and stability in Libya.

The UAE has been doing all it could to help the Arab efforts that aimed to support international efforts in Libya.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ decision to hold talks with eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi on Friday in a bid to avert renewed civil war is a positive development.

Guterres has stated that helping to promote a Libyan-led and Libyan owned political solution to resolve years of instability and insecurity there that puts the welfare of the Libyan people first is the sole agenda of the United Nations within the country.

He has been trying to advance the UN’s idea, first proposed more than a year ago and discussed in town halls across the country, of convening a Libyan National Conference on the nation’s political future, which could finally end years of turmoil following the removal from power of Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011.

Last month, Guterres expressed hope that a solution to Libya’s instability, civil conflict, and economic turmoil could be found, following an historic meeting between Prime Minister Faiez Serraj, and Haftar, at the end of February.

The two leaders agreed to national, democratic elections, and ways to maintain stability in the country, and unify its institutions, according to a statement from the UN Mission UNSMIL.

Terror groups should not be allowed to take advantage of the troubled situation prevailing in the country and turn Libya into a haven for their nefarious activities.

In September, Daesh claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya’s National Oil Company in Tripoli, which left two dead and 10 wounded.

While an estimated 8,000 migrants are currently held in detention centres, those detained make up a small fraction of the several hundred thousand migrants resident in Libya or passing through the country. Unfortunately, humanitarian workers have limited access to the centres and  have been  unable to do their best  to help  people in need.  

The only best way forward is a political solution to overcome the crisis. Libyans certainly deserve to live in a normal country with normal political institutions, with peace, security and prosperity. Continuing  turbulence   is  just not acceptable.