All peace initiatives related to the Libyan conflict should be channelled through the United Nations, according to Foreign Minister George Vella.
Dr Vella was speaking to The Sunday Times of Malta after it emerged that the self-proclaimed government in Tripoli would not be attending the second round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva.
“The continued fighting is not the solution and will not lead us anywhere. It is within this context that I continue to urge the EU’s support and assistance, which is forthcoming, towards the strenuous efforts and the difficult circumstances that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya under Bernardino Leon is currently functioning.
Libya’s problems have to be solved by the Libyans themselves
“It is not an easy task but all initiatives should be channelled under the auspices of the United Nations,” he said.
Dr Vella said that he and all his colleagues in the EU see no alternative to political dialogue in Libya. He urged all Libyans to put aside their differences, lay down their arms and consider first and foremost the “supreme interest of their country”.
“It is time for all Libyans to demonstrate maturity, understanding and leadership,” he said.
Libya has two rival governments and parliaments, one in Tripoli, controlled by Libya Dawn, the Misurata and Islamist-leaning group of militias, and an internationally-recognised one in Tobruk, which includes liberal and secular politicians as well as remnants of the Gaddafi regime. The two sides are engaged in a conflict which is bringing the country to the verge of civil war.
Dr Vella welcomed the outcome of the first round of peace talks in Geneva which took place the week before last (which was not attended by the Tripoli government but by representatives of the Libya Dawn militia which is allied to it) where the participants agreed on an agenda that includes reaching a political agreement to form a consensual national unity government.
However, he added: “The Libyan crisis hinges upon two main issues: namely, the formation of a national unity government that will go a long way to start solving the political differences, and the cessation of all fighting and violence as well as the demilitarisation of all militias.
“The fighting is continuing, and on Thursday the Benghazi branch of the Central Bank of Libya was attacked. All attacks, particularly on institutions that have not been involved in the political squabble, have to stop forthwith so that a chance is given to negotiations for a political settlement,” he said.
The attack on the Benghazi branch of the Central Bank by forces loyal to the Tobruk government was the reason given by the Tripoli government for not attending the new round of peace talks in Geneva.
“These situations are making a bad situation worse for Bernardino Leon, the United Nations Special Representative, who, with great effort, patience and sacrifice, had succeeded in brokering the first round of talks,” Dr Vella said.
Asked whether outside military support for the two sides in the conflict (Turkey and Qatar for the Tripoli government, and Egypt and UAE for the Tobruk government) is complicating matters and should stop, the Foreign Minister replied: “The Libyan issue is already a complex one as it is. Roping in outside forces will exacerbate matters.”
He added: “I believe that this is now being understood by all the regional players who are now also involved in reaching an inclusive political solution to the problem. I underline the fact that Libya’s problems have to be solved by the Libyans themselves.”