28-03-2024 03:14 PM Jerusalem Timing

UN Calls for Libya’s Feuding Forces to Unite against ISIL

UN Calls for Libya’s Feuding Forces to Unite against ISIL

The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday calling for Libya’s feuding militias and security forces to unite and strengthen national security forces to defend the country from "terrorism"

The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday calling for Libya's feuding militias and security forces to unite and strengthen national security forces to defend the country from "terrorism."

forcesThe resolution encouraged the recently formed national unity government to finalize interim security arrangements to stabilize the country "as a critical step towards tackling Libya's political, security, humanitarian, economic and institutional challenges and to combat the threat of terrorism."

The council also "strongly encouraged" the government of national accord to support reconciliation.

Libya slid into chaos following the 2011 toppling and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gaddafi. Since 2014, the oil-rich country has been torn between two parliaments and governments with each backed by militias and tribes.

France's U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre, the current council president, said the resolution "clearly reaffirms the government of national accord is the sole authority of the Libyan forces."

"It's vital that all Libyan forces unite and join efforts in the fight against Daesh in particular, which is our common enemy," Delattre said, using the Arabic name for the ISIL extremist group.

He said Security Council members are still negotiating the text of another resolution that would allow the European Union maritime force, charged with seizing migrant-smuggling vessels off Libya's coast, to help enforce an arms embargo on the North African nation. Delattre expressed hope that it will be adopted soon.