On Monday, the French Embassy in Libya welcomed the resumption of direct talks between Libya’s eastern, and western parties. This is regarding a number of military and security issues.
The embassy re-published the UN Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) statement on the consultations being held in the Egyptian city of Hurghada. It reaffirmed Paris’ full support for the 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks. It also expressed its thanks to the two delegations who have demonstrated a positive, and proactive attitude aimed at de-escalating the conflict. UNSMIL expects that the outcome of these face-to-face meetings, will be mainstreamed into the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
UNSMIL also extended its deep gratitude to the Egyptian government for hosting the military and police delegations, and making these important talks possible.
Libya has been marred in violence since the ouster of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Since 2014, the country has had two rival governments, vying for power.