UN passes resolution calling for ceasefire in Libya

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) – The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Wednesday mandating a multinational operation to oversee a lasting ceasefire in Libya.

The resolution, submitted by Britain, calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the supply of arms to both sides, adherence to a weapons embargo and the withdrawal of mercenaries and forbids interference by any member states in the crisis in Libya.

Some 14 countries supported the decision, but Russia abstained due to the statement on the withdrawal of mercenaries.

The decision also calls on all countries and international actors that attended the Berlin Conference on Libya on Jan. 19 to fulfill their commitments.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been asked to prepare a report with the necessary conditions and proposals for effectively monitoring the ceasefire.

Libyan renegade commander Khalifa Haftar agreed at the Berlin Conference to designate individuals to a UN-proposed military commission with five members from each side to monitor the ceasefire's implementation.

Despite the conference, which called for a permanent ceasefire in the war-torn country, Haftar’s forces have continued their attacks.

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

Libya’s legitimate government has been under attack by Haftar’s forces since last April, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people.

*Writing by Davut Demircan