The US National Security Council said on Monday via its official Twitter account that the US oppossed further military escalation in Libya. It called for a ceasefire and for a return to negotiations.
“The United States strongly opposes military escalation in Libya – on all sides. We urge parties to commit to a ceasefire and resume negotiations immediately” it said.
The NSC stressed the need to continue with the progress made through the UN’s 5+5 talks, the Cairo Initiative, and the Berlin process.
The statement comes a day after a speech by Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi, which he delivered during his visit to a newly unveiled airbase in Egypt’s western military zone.
El-Sisi said that they had received direct threats from the “terrorist mercenaries and militias” in Libya, making a military intervention by Cairo now legitimate.
“Any direct intervention by the Egyptian state has now gained international legitimacy,” said El-Sisi.
According to the Egyptian President, the purpose of using military force would be to protect Egypt’s border, achieve a ceasefire, and establish security and stability in its neighbouring state.