On Friday, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al-Sarraj announced an immediate ceasefire and an end of all hostilities.
“Based on his political and national responsibility, as well as the current situation imposed on the country and region due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the Presidency Council of the GNA issues instructions to all military forces to immediately cease fire, and end all military operations throught the country,” the Council said in a statement.
“Achieving an effective ceasefire requires that Sirte and Al-Jufrah be demilitarised. It also means that police forces from both sides agree on security arrangements for the cities,” the statement added
Al-Sarraj stressed that the ultimate goal of this initiative is to restore full sovereignty over Libya, as well as the exit of foreign forces and mercenaries.
“The capabilities of the Libyan people cannot be wasted”, Al-Sarraj confirmed, adding that “this is why production and exports must be resumed in the oil fields and ports, provided that the revenues will be deposited in a special account of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) at a Libyan foreign account. These funds are not to be used, until reaching comprehensive political arrangements in accordance with the outcomes of the Berlin Conference. This is in order to ensure transparency and good governance with the help of the UN mission, and the international community.”
Al-Sarraj also confirmed that he will take all measures to support the efficient, and optimal management of the country’s natural resources. He reiterated that the NOC was the sole body entitled to supervise the security of oil fields and ports, throughout Libya.
At the conclusion of the statement, the PM renewed his call for presidential and parliamentary elections next March. Such elections would he organised according to an appropriate constitutional base to be agreed upon between Libyans.