The United States and European allies have cautioned in a joint statement that outside interference in Libya would worsen divisions in the country and slow progress in its political transition.

“We believe outside interference in Libya exacerbates current divisions and undermines Libya’s democratic transition,” the United States, France, Germany, Italy and Britain said in the statement issued by the US State Department.

The five countries strongly condemn the escalation of fighting and violence in and around Tripoli, Benghazi, and across Libya, especially against residential areas, public facilities, and critical infrastructure, by both land attacks and air strikes.

We believe outside interference in Libya exacerbates current divisions

“We reiterate our calls, joining those of the Libyan interim government, the House of Representatives, and the Libyan people, that all parties in Libya accept an immediate ceasefire and engage constructively in the democratic process, abstaining from confrontational initiatives that risk undermining it,” read the joint statement, pledging support to the efforts of the UN Support Mission in Libya in this regard.

The statement adds that those responsible for violence, which undermines Libya’s democratic transition and national security, must be held accountable.

“We welcome discussions on the political and security situation in Libya to be held by the United Nations Security Council in the coming days, including consequences for those who undermine Libya’s peace and stability,” the US and allies said.

While encouraging the international community to support Libya’s elected institutions, the statement calls on Libya’s interim government and the elected House of Representatives to adopt inclusive policies that benefit all Libyans and to build a government that meets the Libyan peoples’ needs for security, reconciliation, and prosperity.

The joint statement encourages the Constitutional Drafting Assembly to immediately pursue the drafting of a document that enshrines and protects the rights of all Libyans.

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