Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj sought on Monday to garner the European Union’s support against military operations led by the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Marshal Khalifa Haftar, in the country’s south Libya.
Sarraj met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the sidelines of the Arab-European summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
They both stressed the need to stop any escalation that would undermine Libya’s political process, Sarraj’s office quoted him as saying.
In the statement, Sarraj said that he and Conte expressed support for UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame’s plan on holding elections.
The two sides also rejected a military solution to the crisis.
The head of the GNA called for a “unified regional and international stance on Libya” and for ending the interference of some countries that are fueling the conflict and threatening the country’s stability.”
He also pointed out that the meeting addressed the political developments in Libya in addition to a number of joint cooperation issues, including security, economy and joint coordination to face illegal migration and human trafficking.
In another statement, Sarraj’s office said Merkel has reiterated her country’s support for the Libyan government and its democratic path, stressing its willingness to help Libyans overcome the current crisis.
Danish Premier Lars Rasmussen also expressed his country’s support for Sarraj’s government, which he described as an “official partner,” said a GNA statement.
Sarraj called for efforts “to support Libya’s stability and building a civil state."
Rasmussen also spoke about Denmark's efforts in Libya through its humanitarian organizations that have been working in demining operations.
