UNSMIL Urges Speedy Concrete Measures to Consolidate Ceasefire, Expresses Concern about Breaches

20 Jan 2015

UNSMIL Urges Speedy Concrete Measures to Consolidate Ceasefire, Expresses Concern about Breaches

20 January 2015 – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expresses concern about the reported breaches of the ceasefire that the parties to the conflict had unilaterally declared earlier. The Mission urges the parties to discuss and commit to speedy concrete measures to consolidate the truce and tackle any violation.

UNSMIL views any violation, no matter how limited, as a grave development that could undermine the entire truce. The Mission calls on each side to expedite the appointment of a representative to liaise with UNSMIL on the implementation and compliance. This liaison mechanism is an important platform to discuss proposals on the way forward to ensure that the ceasefire holds and is strengthened.

The Mission reminds the parties that the ceasefire includes a total halt to the movement of armed personnel and vehicles and applies to ground, sea and air operations.

In addition to stopping the bloodshed and destruction, a truce contributes to creating a conducive environment for the political dialogue to resolve Libya's political and security crisis. The Mission hopes the truce will also allow humanitarian aid to flow to the displaced and the needy in affected areas and will encourage international organizations to resume full operations in the country.