The European Union Mission in Libya stressed the need for serious engagement by the 5+5 parties in order to reach a ceasefire agreement.
In a statement on Monday, the Head of the EU Delegation, Alan Bugeja, claimed that he had a “very useful” exchange with the Foreign Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Mohamed Siala. Bugeja emphasized the humanitarian obligations of the warring parties, to ensure the protection of civilians.
“I stressed the need for serious engagement by both sides in the UNSMIL-facilitated 5+5 talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire. I hope that the latest developments on the ground would also lead to a return to the political track” Bugeja said.
They also discussed the EU’s ‘IRINI’ operation and its mandate to enforce the UN arms embargo. It is also tasked with curbing illicit oil transactions “as exemplified by the disruption of a recent attempt at loading oil in violation of relevant UNSC resolutions by one of the operation’s vessels”, according to the statement.
On Sunday, the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) published a statement in which it welcomed calls by international and regional actors in recent days for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Libya. It called on the Libyan parties to engage swiftly and constructively in the 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks, in order to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement.