Rival Libya govts announce ceasefire

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Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, speaker of the eastern-based parliament Aguila Saleh Issa, and head of the Tripoli-based UN-recognised unity government Fayez Al Sarraj, attend an International Congress on Libya in Paris.
Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, speaker of the eastern-based parliament Aguila Saleh Issa, and head of the Tripoli-based UN-recognised unity government Fayez Al Sarraj, attend an International Congress on Libya in Paris.

Tripoli - They call for demilitarising the strategic city of Sirte and holding nationwide elections in March

By AFP, AP

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Published: Fri 21 Aug 2020, 3:26 PM

Last updated: Fri 21 Aug 2020, 5:33 PM

Libya's warring rival governments announced in separate statements on Friday that they would cease all hostilities and organise nationwide elections soon, an understanding swiftly welcomed by the United Nations.
The statements were signed by Fayez Al Sarraj, head of the UN-recognised unity government based in the capital Tripoli, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of the eastern-based parliament backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
Fayez Sarraj, head of the Government of National Accord in the capital Tripoli, also announced parliamentary and presidential elections would be held in March.
The development comes amid international pressure and fears of a new escalation in the chaotic proxy war, as rival sides mobilise for a battle over Sirte, the gateway to the country's major oil export terminals.
Both statements called for demilitarising the city of Sirte and the Jufra area in central Libya, and a joint police force to be responsible for security there.
The UN Support Mission in Libya welcomed both statements, and called for the expulsion of all foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya. Both sides of the conflict are supported by thousands of mercenaries.
Libya was plunged into chaos when a Nato-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was later killed.


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