By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 22 July 2014:
France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States have called for the “immediate cessation . . .[restrict]of hostilities and the resumption of political dialogue”, reminding Libyans that compromise is an essential part of the democratic process.
In a joint statement issued yesterday, Libya’s western allies said that the current armed conflict undermined efforts to “establish security and institutional coherence”. They called on all sides to restrain from violence and work hard to forge political consensus.
They also praised last month’s House of Representatives elections and yesterday’s announcement of the elections’ final results, also applauding the work of the High National Electoral Commission and the bravery of the Libyan people who went to the polls.
They urged the prompt seating of the House of Representatives and the completion of the drafting of the constitution. “A constitution that protects the rights of all Libyans will lay the foundation on which to build a democratic, free, and prosperous Libya,” the statement read.
The five nations expressed their commitment to partner with Libya’s elected representatives and government as “they work to bring peace and stability to a country that has witnessed division and conflict for far too long”.
In a separate statement, the European Union also urged Libyans to find a political solution for the current crisis in Tripoli, calling on moderates on both sides to unite around a position of consensus. Libya’s problems, it said, could not be resolved by force. Libya’s problems need political solution, not military action.
The EU Delegation in Libya has advocated an easing of tensions, allowing for time for the newly-elected House of Representatives to convene and form a government, and for the constitutional process to be completed.
The EU Delegation said force must be under the authority of the state and within the bounds of the law. Attacks against civilian airports violate international law, it warned.
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