The United States welcomed on Twitter the calls of the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al-Sarraj, and of the Speaker of Parliament, Ageela Saleh, for a ceasefire and the resumption of oil production to address the pressing needs of Libyans.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Joey Hood, reiterated U.S. support for Libyan efforts to capitalize on this momentum, via the UN-led process, to achieve a peaceful political solution that preserves Libyan sovereignty.
“The US stands with the Libyan people as they seek demilitarisation and a resumption of oil production that allows revenues to flow to all Libyans and a political resolution of the conflict,” Hood expressed.
He added, “We must all respect the Libyan people’s call for external parties to refrain from actions that could undermine a ceasefire and UN-facilitated political talks.”
The GNA, which is based in the west of the country, announced on Friday morning a ceasefire across Libya. It also called for the demilitarisation of the contested strategic cities of Sirte and Al-Jufrah, which are controlled by the Libyan National Army.
In a separate statement, Ageela Saleh also called for a ceasefire. Both administrations also called for an end to the oil blockade imposed earlier this year. The Tripoli-based government also called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held in March 2021.