UN continues diplomatic push for political solution to end Libya fighting

TheUNSpecial Representative for Libya and Head of theUN Mission in the country, UNSMIL , GhassanSalamé, is continuing his efforts totry and de-escalate military action in and around the capital, Tripoli.

Thecommanderof the self-styled Libyan NationalArmy began an offensive to try and take the Libyan capital from forces backing the UN-recognized Government,more than two weeks ago.

Here’s UN Spokesperson,Stéphane Dujarric, briefingcorrespondentsin New York on Mondayon Mr.Salame’sprogress.

“Earlier today, he met with Tunisian Foreign Minister KhamisJhinaouiin Tunis, with whom he discussed developments related to the clashes in southern Tripoli. Both asserted that the UN-facilitated political process is the ideal and only way to solve the Libyan crisis.”

According to theUN office coordinating humanitarian affairs( OCHA ), thousands of civilians, refugees and migrants remain trapped in conflict-affected areas, unable to flee either because of fighting or detention.

Inastatement released on Monday, OCHA said that medical teamswereworking relentlessly to evacuate and care for people wounded in the conflict.

Through the Tripoli flash appeal, the humanitarian communityhasurgently called for US$10.2 millionto continueproviding life-saving relief, adding that “humanitarian needs in Libya are rapidly increasing, while funding levels remain low”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).