Egypt’s el-Sisi welcomes ceasefire announced by Libya’s warring factions

 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has welcomed the ceasefire agreement announced by Libya’s warring factions on Friday.

The Tripoli-based government and the east-based administration published statements announcing an end of hostilities,renewing hope for peace in the troubled North African country.

“I welcome the statements issued by the Presidency Council and the House of Representatives in Libya to cease fire and stop military operations in all Libyan lands, as this is an important step on the road to achieving a political settlement and the aspirations of the Libyan people to restore stability and prosperity in Libya and preserve the capabilities of its people,” said President el-Sisi on Twitter.

Libya has been dogged by a civil war for years, sparked by the killing of former long-serving president Muammar Gadaffi.

The war has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands as each faction claims legitimacy.

Forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) under Fayez al-Sarraj and those under eastern commander Khalifa Haftar have been receiving support from various countries in their quest to take control of the country.

The ceasefire agreement has been welcomed by the U.N. Support Mission in Libya.

“The Acting Special Representative in Libya warmly welcomes the important agreement between the Presidency Council and the House of Representatives’ aimed at a ceasefire and activating the political process,” the body said.