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The United Nations Security Council is considering a British-drafted resolution that would demand a ceasefire in Libya and call on all countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance.
As at press time, diplomats from the 15-member council were due to meet later to discuss the text that also called for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya, which has been gripped by anarchy and conflict since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.
The draft U.N. Security Council resolution, seen by Reuters, expresses “grave concern at military activity in Libya near Tripoli, which began following the launching of a military offensive by the LNA … and threatens the stability of Libya.” It also demands that all parties in Libya immediately de-escalate the situation, commit to a ceasefire, and engage with the United Nations to end hostilities.
Diplomats said the draft text could be put to a vote as early as this week. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China, the so-called permanent five to pass.
Foreign powers are worried but unable to present a united front over the latest flare-up in the cycle of anarchy and warfare that has gripped Libya since dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.
The Security Council informally expressed concern on April 5, calling on all forces to de-escalate and halt military activity and specifically calling out the LNA. However, in the following days the council was unable to issue a more formal statement, diplomats said, as Russia objected to a reference to the LNA, while the United States said it could not agree a text that did not mention Haftar’s forces.
Meanwhile, Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) appealed yesterday for Europe’s support against eastern Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar, warning continued violence could see 800,000 people try to flee to the West.
