UN: Libya's warring parties agreed to resume ceasefire talks
The United Nations mission in Libya said in a statement late Monday it hopes the resumption of talks will calm the clashes between Libya’s internationally-recognized government and the eastern-based forces, led by commander Khalifa Haftar.
It added that a humanitarian truce would be an important step on the way to a permanent ceasefire, and enable the authorities to focus their efforts on handling the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mission did not say when the talks would resume, but said the new round will be conducted via video conference due to the pandemic.
In April last year, Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched a campaign to seize Tripoli from the rival Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognized by the United Nations.
In recent weeks, Haftar’s campaign has suffered setbacks. The GNA forces have seized al-Watiya airbase, a strategic base in the offensive, and also a number of key towns on Libya’s western coast.
Oil-rich Libya has been in turmoil since a 2011 revolt toppled long-time dictator Moamer Gaddafi and has become a battleground for rival proxy forces.
