In an interview with France 24, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, discussed the situation in Libya and the involvement of foreign forces in the conflict.
Schenker warned that the Libyan conflict could spin out of control if the Russians choose to escalate further.
He added that what is happening in Libya is a proxy war between different powers, stressing that there is an opportunity to abide by the ceasefire in Libya and repeating that his country is supporting truce efforts.
Schenker added that there is an opportunity to secure a cease-fire that paves the way for talks to end the conflict in Libya. He also condemned of the use of children in the war in Libya.
“We think it is important that the arms embargo be implemented immediately,” he told France 24.
Schenker confirmed that the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has been interested in working to resolve the conflict in Libya for a long time, calling on the Libyan parties to return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the United Nations.
Since April 2019 the LNA has been fighting to take the Libyan capital Tripoli and the territories under GNA control. It has mainly been supported by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
