The collapse of military campaign launched by Haftar’s forces in April 2019 in an attempt to capture the capital Tripoli was a turning point in the Libyan conflict. The Government of National Accord (GNA) managed in last June to kick out Haftar’s forces from the outskirts of the capital and other towns.
The failure to achieve the designated goals through the military operation against the UN backed government of GNA along pressures from the international community has forced those refusing peaceful solution and dialogue to respond to calls for excluding military solution.
The GNA led by Fayez Al Sarraj announced on Friday a ceasefire agreement in all Libyan territories, and called for the demilitarization of Sirte and Jurfa areas, and that police forces from the two sides agree on security arrangements there. A step widely welcomed by the international community and major actors, including the European Union, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The State of Qatar was calling for political solutions and renewed its support of Skhirat agreement of December 2015, therefore it was among the first to welcome this agreement. Qatar expressed its hope that all Libyan parties respect the ceasefire agreement, expedite the completion of the political process, and lift the blockade on the oil fields to resume production and exports.
Qatar renewed it position and faith that there is no other option except a political solution for the Libyan crisis and supported the sincere intention of the GNA led by Fayez Al Sarraj to stop the bloodshed and sit down to find a political solution that serves Libya and its people and thus results from a civilian government.
This was also expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, in an interview with Al Jazeera TV on Thursday.
“There is importance to reach a political solution to the Libyan crisis, and this political solution comes through the political agreement and the outputs of the Skhirat Agreement in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, Al Attiyah said.
Qatar called upon all Libyans to engage in constructive and inclusive political process that uphold the national interest and adhere to dialogue without excluding any component of the Libyan society, leading to a comprehensive political settlement that preserves the country’s sovereignty and unity.
Qatar is hopeful to see the ceasefire announcement paves way for a lasting political solution in Libya and rebuilding the country in a way that preserves the rights of the Libyan people and the rule of law.
