23 May 2015 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemns the string of suicide bombings that have taken place over the past few days in the areas of al-Qubba (19 May), Sirte (20 May) and Misrata (21 May), responsibility for which have since been claimed by the Islamic State.

At a time when all parties in Libya are exerting intense efforts to try and reach a political agreement that brings an end to the political and military conflict, there can be no doubt about the timing of these terrorist attacks, which are clearly part of a systematic campaign to undermine the on-going dialogue process, and to instil a sense of mistrust and hostility among the different parties.

The Mission reiterates its call on all political stakeholders and security actors on the ground to refrain from taking any action that undermines the on-going dialogue efforts, escalates military tensions or provides the space or opportunity for IS to derail efforts towards peace in order to consolidate its own influence and control in different parts of the country.

In this regard, the Mission welcomes the recent statements by a number of civilian and military entities in Libya pledging commitment to on-going efforts in support of dialogue and local reconciliation initiatives. In the same vein, the Mission also takes this opportunity to praise the various reconciliation gestures that have taken place between different towns and cities over the past few weeks, and expresses hope these will add further positive momentum to efforts underway to reach a comprehensive and durable solution to the conflict in Libya.