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UNSC calls for immediate ceasefire in Libya

UN Security Council
UN Security Council
NEW YORK, March 28 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council adopted unanimously two resolutions on Libya, calling for an immediate ceasefire, and reaffirming strong commitment to sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the north African nation.
UNSC members adopted resolution 2213 that calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, underscores that there can be no military solution to the ongoing political crisis.
It also urged all parties in Libya to engage constructively with the efforts of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Special Representative of the Secretary General to facilitate, in accordance with the principles of national ownership, the formation of a national unity government and agreement on interim security arrangements necessary for stabilising Libya.
Moreover, the UNSC condemned the use of violence against civilians and civilian institutions and continuing escalation of conflict, including attacks on airports, State institutions, and other vital national infrastructure as well as natural assets, and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The resolution extended the mandate of UNSMIL until September 15, 2015.
Security Council members also adopted resolution 2214, deploring terrorist acts being committed by ISIL, groups that pledged allegiance to it, Ansar Al-Sharia, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and associated with Al-Qaeda operating in Libya, including the recent cowardly and heinous kidnapping and killing of a number of Egyptian citizens in Sirte, and the killing of Libyan civilians in Al-Qoba.
The members of the Council urged the Member States to combat by all means, in accordance with the UN Charter and International Law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts including those committed by the groups named earlier.
Nevertheless, the resolution emphasized the importance of providing support and assistance to the Government of Libya, including by providing it with the necessary security and capacity building assistance.
Earlier this month, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Libya, Bernardino Leon, told the Council that the overall situation in Libya is deteriorating rapidly, unless Libya's leaders act quickly and decisively to address the political crisis." Leon also stressed that the risks to the countryآ’s national unity and territorial integrity are real and imminent. (end) mao.bs