On Friday, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mishaal Bin Fahm Al-Salami, welcomed the statements issued by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord, Fayez Al-Sarraj, and the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh. The statements in question were the announcement of a ceasefire, and halt of all military operations in the country.
Al-Salami added that such a step helps to create the necessary conditions to resume the political process.
The Speaker also called on the two parties to assume their responsibilities and give priority to the national interest, through engaging themselves in comprehensive political dialogue, “as it is the only way for Libya to move beyond its current crisis, and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people to live safely, and enjoy peace, development and stability.”
He stressed that the success of political dialogue hinges upon ending all foreign intervention in the country, noting that external parties seek to fuel the conflict and seize the natural resources of the Libyan people. Al-Salami also stressed the necessity of expelling all mercenaries and foreign forces, disbanding armed militias, and re-establishing the state authority.
He expressed the Arab Parliament’s full support for a comprehensive settlement of the crisis, while maintaining its sovereignty, independence and national unity.
The GNA, which is based in the west of the country, issued a statement on Friday morning announcing a ceasefire across the country. It also called for the demilitarisation of the contested strategic cities of Sirte and Al-Jufrah, which are controlled by the Libyan National Army.
In a separate statement, Ageela Saleh, also called for a ceasefire. Both administrations called for an end to the oil blockade imposed earlier this year. The Tripoli-based government also called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held in March.