UNSMIL Strongly Condemns Renewed Oil Crescent Attack, Calls for Immediate Disengagement of Forces

4 Feb 2015

UNSMIL Strongly Condemns Renewed Oil Crescent Attack, Calls for Immediate Disengagement of Forces

04 February 2015 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemns the attack carried out by armed groups operating under the Alshuruq Operation in the Oil Crescent area on Tuesday 03 February 2015, reportedly causing many casualties.

The attack constitutes a major break in the public pledges made by the main commanders to refrain from actions that could harm the political process at a time when the Libyan parties are working intensively to build bridges of cooperation that will contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Libya. This attack also undermines efforts to reach a political solution and endangers the oil resources that belong to the Libyan people.

UNSMIL reminds all armed groups that the majority of Libyans want peace and stability restored to their country. The Mission, therefore, urges armed groups to act in good faith in accordance with their earlier commitment to a ceasefire and to disengage their forces as proof of their commitment to the political process.

The Mission urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking any action that could further escalate the situation. UNSMIL stresses that the parties should not take advantage of the ceasefire to mass forces or launch attacks.

At a time when Libyan stakeholders from across the political spectrum have made good progress over the past few weeks to commence a Libyan-Libyan political dialogue, all parties to the conflict need to be aware that the eyes of the world are on them. UNSMIL reminds the parties of the relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2174 related to those who undermine the political process.