Libya: US to put sanctions on those who threaten peace

By Mustafa Haboush

ISTANBUL (AA) - The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli on Wednesday said it will put sanctions on individuals who threaten peace in Libya.

In a Facebook post, the embassy pledged to work with Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), saying they held a meeting Monday with Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha and National Security Advisor Taj al-Din al-Rezagi.

At the meeting, Charge d’Affaires Joshua Harris stressed "the U.S. embassy will work with Minister Bashagha to ensure implementation of U.S. Executive Order 13726, which allows for sanctions against individuals that threaten the peace, security and stability of Libya".

A day after the meeting, Bashagha said the GNA will shift from a defensive to an offensive stance against the militia of Khalifa Haftar.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: Haftar in eastern Libya, supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

The GNA has been under attack by Haftar’s forces since last April, with more than 1,000 lives lost in the violence.

* Bassel Ibrahim contributed to this report from Ankara