All Libyan Armed Groups 'Must Be Controlled by UN-Backed Government'

All armed factions in Libya must refrain from violence and admit that only the internationally recognized government has a right to control the country's security forces, the Council of the European Union said on Monday in a statement.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — The Council of the European Union also expressed its concern over smuggling and trafficking of migrants, arms, petroleum products and drugs through Libya.

"The Council reiterates its firm support to the Libyan Political Agreement and to the Presidency Council and Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj established under it as the sole legitimate government authorities in the country. The EU calls on all armed groups to refrain from violence, to commit to demobilization and to recognize the authorities entrusted by the Libyan Political Agreement as the only ones having the right to control Libya's defense and security forces," the statement said.

Brussels also deplores the multiple violations of arms embargo imposed by the United Nations during the 2011 uprising and urges all the parties to comply with the international legal order, to respect Libya's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence as well as to support the UN mediation efforts, according to the Council of the European Union.

"The EU remains concerned about the continued threat posed by terrorism in Libya and calls for continued efforts in order to support Libya in countering this threat. It calls on all Libyans to unite against terrorism, underlines the importance of prevention and reiterates its support to Libya in its fight against radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism," the statement said.

Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 civil war that resulted in the overthrow of country’s longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. Different territories of the African nation are controlled by various authorities.

The eastern part of the crisis-torn state is governed by its parliament, with headquarters in the city of Tobruk. The parliament is backed by the Libyan National Army headed by Gen. Khalifa Haftar. At the same time, the Government of National Accord operates in the country's west and is headquartered in Tripoli.

The parties to the conflict signed the Libyan Political Agreement in Moroccan city Skhirat in late 2015, however, its provisions have not been fully implemented so far due to existing contradictions. The Parliament of Libya based in the east of the country denounced the document in March 2017.