On Wednesday, the United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission talks had resumed, welcoming it as a “positive first step”.
In a press conference, Dujarric added that the interim UN Envoy Stephanie Williams met with a five-member delegation representing the Libyan National Army. A meeting with the five-member delegation representing the Government of National Accord (GNA) will be held in the coming days, he added.
“Negotiations will continue on the ceasefire agreement and associated arrangements on the basis of the draft presented by the UN Mission to both delegations on 23 February this year,” Dujarric said.
“The UN mission encourages the parties to de-escalate, consider a truce to enable improved delivery of humanitarian assistance and to refrain from incitement, as well as create an environment conducive for negotiations and building trust between the parties.” he added.
A number of international and regional powers welcomed the resumption of ceasefire talks in Libya.
Oil-rich Libya has been mired in chaos since the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It now has two rival authorities and a multitude of militias vying for control of the country.
The country’s internationally recognised government is based in Tripoli, while Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, is supported by a parallel administration based in the east.