Special envoys for Libya issue communique in support of UN mediation efforts

WASHINGTON, Nov 1 (KUNA) -- The special envoys for Libya issued a communique after meeting in Paris with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Bernardino Leon, the State Department announced on Friday night.
The special envoys, from the African Union (UN), the Arab League, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, expressed their "full support for the mediation efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative aimed at pursuing a dialogue that will allow the normal functioning of the legitimate Council of Representatives with the full participation of its members, the formation of a fully inclusive and representative government, and the withdrawal of militia groups from cities and airports throughout Libya," the announcement said.
They reaffirmed that there was no military solution to the crisis in Libya, it said.
They condemned the violence perpetrated since the call for a cease-fire in Ghadames, and "paid tribute to those, who - on both sides - have engaged in dialogue and expressed their desire for serious and constructive engagement on the part of both delegations," the statement said.
They called for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire throughout Libya that would allow the immediate resumption of humanitarian assistance, it said. They affirmed that those who impede this process will be penalized within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2174, it said.
They commended the determination of the special representative to organize, in the near future, a new round of discussions, and urged the parties to remove all obstacles to these discussions, the statement said. They stated that the efforts of all international partners should aim to support the UN mediation efforts, and they rejected any external interference in Libya, it said.
They also stressed their "grave concern at the growing terrorist threat affecting the current political situation, which can only be defeated by a strong and united Libya," the statement said.
The special envoys decided to continue to coordinate their efforts through a mechanism to support the UN mediation efforts, it said. (end) rm.gta