State Department: US Concerned Renewed Fighting in Libya Will Benefit Daesh

Washington is concerned that renewed fighting in Libya will benefit only violent extremist groups such as Daesh in the region, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States is worried that renewed fighting in the central region of Libya will only benefit Daesh and other extremist groups operating in the country, Kirby said.

"We know with deep concern today of renewed fighting between Libyans… fighting which we believe will only benefit Daesh and other violent extremists there," Kirby stated. "To date, Libyan forces have made progress in Sirte and in eastern Libya, that’s what makes this renewed fighting here of concern."

The United States urges support for the Government of National Accord (GNA) as it works to address the country’s challenges and oversee its transition to a new government through elections stipulated in the Libyan Political Agreement, Kirby said.

The US also urges all parties involved in the conflict to renew efforts for national reconciliation through political dialogue, Kirby added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Libyan national unity government Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq said Libya is ready to welcome any possible initiatives by Russia designed to arrange the political dialogue in the country, as Russia contacts all parties to the conflict and has a balanced position.

Libya's UN-backed GNA (Presidential Council), created following the signing under the UN auspices in 2015 of a political agreement was to stop the split and dual power in the country, however, the parliament and government in eastern Libya later refused to cooperate with Tripoli.

 

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