On Sunday, the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) voiced its great concern over the arbitrary detention of a number of individuals arriving at Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport from Benghazi’s Benina Airport.
In a statement, UNSMIL stressed the need to release the eastern Libyan individuals who were arrested by GNA-affiliated armed groups and called on the GNA to bring the perpetrators to justice.
It added that at least one of the kidnapped persons was followed to his destination in Tripoli and then arrested; others were allegedly arrested at the airport upon arrival.
UNSMIL also reiterated that all Libyan citizens have the right to freedom of movement. Any illegal infringement of this right is a serious violation of Libya’s obligations under international law.
The UN mission believes that these actions aim to sabotage the good faith efforts to bring Libyans together, following the ceasefire agreement, calling for ensuring that the freedom of movement for all Libyans is fully respected.
On the other hand, UNSMIL welcomed the decision by the Civil Aviation Authority to permit the resumption of flights to all airports in the southern region of Libya.
This decision is a product of the confidence that has been built as a result of the 23 October ceasefire agreement and the follow-up talks of the Joint Military Commission in Ghadames on 2-4 November.