On Thursday, the United Nation Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the 7th round of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) talks held from 4-7 February, at its headquarters in Sirte.
The committee continues to debate the implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed on 23 October 2020 in Geneva.
UNSMIL said in a statement that the JMC meeting will focus on “expediting the opening of the coastal road to enable the safe passage of citizens and goods.” This would build on the progress achieved in previous rounds of the JMC talks.
“Demining experts from both sides, in addition to UNSMIL staff, will attend the meeting to provide technical support and discuss the way forward to clear mines and remnants of war in the areas under the control of each party,” the statement noted.
It confirmed that the JMC will also finalize discussions with UNSMIL on the necessary requirements for the deployment of UN monitors to support the ceasefire agreement.
The Director of Moral Guidance of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Major General Khaled Al-Mahjoub stated that the meeting will be followed by several discussions to take “decisive steps,” regarding the mechanisms for ensuring the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.