UN threatens to punish those violating Libya ceasefire
The United Nations and the Security Council have promised to take a hard line on those who will violate a ceasefire signed by Libyan rivals recently in Geneva.
They
have warned the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the
militias allied to it against violating the ceasefire.
This
came after the two sides said they would maintain military cooperation with
Turkey.
United
Nations Special Envoy to Libya Stephanie Williams unveiled a plan by the United
Nations Security Council to punish those who will hinder the implementation of
the ceasefire signed in Geneva.
This
came after the Libyan National Army (LNA) said it would abide by the ceasefire.
Punishment
of violators
Turkey
violated the ceasefire, only 24 hours after it was signed by Libyan rival
parties in Geneva.
Williams
revealed, meanwhile, that representatives of Libya's rival forces would meet in
Tunis on Nov. 9.
The
Turkish violations came as no surprise to the Libyans who expressed fears that
Ankara might play a role in hindering peace talks between the Libyans and
sabotaging political settlement efforts now led by the United Nations.
On
Oct. 24, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said that it would keep training GNA
forces, in what amounts to a challenge to the United Nations.
GNA
Minister of Defense Salaheddine al-Namroush objected to the suspension of
military cooperation with Turkey.
Namroush
even defended Turkish military presence in Libya.
The
ceasefire signed in Geneva does not include military cooperation with our
Turkish alley, Namroush said.
Immediate
departure
The
United States asked all foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya to leave
immediately.
Secretary
of State Mike Pompeo said his country welcomes the ceasefire signed in Geneva.
He
described the deal as a courageous move. Pompeo also asked all foreign fighters
present in Libya to leave within 90 days.
He
also called on all parties to contribute to the success of the United
Nations-sponsored talks between Libyan rivals.