The Foreign Ministry has condemned the recent violence in Libya.

“The violence in Libya continues to fuel confrontation and tension in an already polarised and dangerous situation,” the ministry said yesterday.

It appealed to all warring parties to desist from violent means that inflicted more harm to their country and its citizens.

“As a peace-loving people, all Libyans should unite, participate and contribute towards a negotiated political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations,” the ministry said.

Clashes between Islamists aligned with Misurata, who control Tripoli, and the internationally-recognised government in the eastern city of Tobruk saw an oil installation going up in flames on Tuesday. Military planes from forces loyal to Tobruk also bombed key posts in Misurata.

The standoff between the factions has also caused tension within the Libyan community in Malta. On Monday, a group of Libyans supporting the unofficial Tripoli government protested in front of Auberge de Castille, in Valletta, calling on the Prime Minister to withdraw recognition to the Tobruk government.

The split has created an awkward situation since a representative of the Tripoli government has refused to leave the Libyan Embassy in Balzan with the new representative of the Tobruk government forced to work from an office in Ta’ Xbiex.

Malta has aligned itself with the international community that has recognised the Tobruk government and Parliament, which was elected in the summer months. However, since then, Libya’s high court ruled the Tobruk government illegitimate.

The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to support the “untiring efforts” of Bernardino Leon, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, to bring the main actors to the negotiating table.

“Political dialogue remains the only real and effective tool to the Libyan crisis,” it said.

Libya descended into chaos after dictator Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011. Former rebel groups that fought side by side at the time have since turned against each other as they jockey for power and resources.

The international community fears that the internal wrangling could create space for Islamic State (formerly known as Isis) hardliners to take root in the North African state.

Already in the coastal eastern city of Derna, a local Islamist group has pledged allegiance to IS and imposed a strict form of Sharia law.