By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 14 August 2014:
France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States have again issued a joint . . .[restrict]statement calling for immediate ceasefire and for political dialogue, saying they reiterate what the international community, the Libyan government and the House of Representatives have all recently expressed.
They called on the various groups in Libya to forgo violence as a means to achieve their objectives or settle differences. They urged consensus and inclusiveness in political dialogue.
They also urged all groups to recognise the authority of the House of Representatives as a body elected by the Libyan people. The events happening now in Libya posed a threat to Libya’s democratic transition, the statement asserted.
The five Western nations condemned the ongoing violence in Tripoli, Benghazi and elsewhere in Libya, expressing their concern for the civilian population. They mentioned the displacement of families, destruction of residences, disruption of services and shortages of medical supplies as a result of the armed conflicts.
Attacks targeting civilians, the statement said, is a violation of international humanitarian law. “These violations must stop and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The five nations strongly support the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to achieve a ceasefire. They also expressed their commitment to partner with Libya’s elected representatives and government “until the hopes and aspirations of the Libyan people are achieved.” [/restrict]
