On Monday, the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) extended its deep gratitude to the Egyptian government for hosting Libyan military and police delegations in the city of Hurghada.
The delegations are from the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), and the western-based Government of National Accord (GNA). This is the first time they have met in five years, under the auspices of the United Nations.
In a statement, UNSMIL said that the two rival delegations began security and military talks. This was under the framework of the ongoing 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks. It also expressed its thanks to the two delegations, for demonstrating a positive and proactive attitude, aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The UN mission expects that the outcome of these face-to-face meetings, will be mainstreamed into the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
Egypt has been pushing for a political settlement in Libya. In June, it proposed a peace initiative dubbed the Cairo Declaration, which was based on the conclusion of the Berlin Conference. It called for a ceasefire, disarming of militias, and a halt to foreign intervention. It also asked for the fair distribution of wealth, and the election of a new Presidential Council.
A ceasefire was announced by the GNA, and the Libyan Parliament in separate statements in July.