Libya’s army declared a ceasefire on Sunday, joining an Islamist-backed militia alliance in declaring a truce that the UN hailed as a “significant” step towards ending month of violence.
“We declare a ceasefire from midnight Sunday,” the army said, adding however that it would continue to pursue “terrorists,” as UN-brokered peace talks resume in Geneva next week.
The army also said it would monitor the situation on the ground “to prevent any change in front lines or transportation of weapons and ammunition,” which it would consider a violation of the truce.
Soldiers “have been given the right to defend themselves if they come under fire,” the statement added.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the ceasefire as a “significant contribution” to the country’s peace process and called on all parties to work with the mission to “ensure compliance” with the truce.
“UNSMIL urges the parties to ensure that the ceasefire applies to ground, sea and air operations, as well as movement of armed personnel and vehicles,” it said.
The UN mission said it would coordinate with both sides “regarding tackling any breaches” and that the truce would allow the flow of humanitarian aid to people displaced by fighting.
Libyan armed forces spokesman Colonel Ahmed Mesmari said the decision was taken “in support of the Geneva talks,” adding that the army keeps its distance from politics.
“The army is engaged in pursuing its duty to protect the Libyan people, ensure security and stability in the country, and fight terrorism and anarchy whatever the outcome of the negotiations,” Mesmari said.
On Friday, the Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn) militia alliance said it had agreed to a ceasefire in the North African country on the condition rival factions respected the truce.
It also pledged to open up “safe passages to channel humanitarian aid,” especially in Libya’s battleground second city of Benghazi.
Late Saturday, Ahmed Hadiyahe, commander of a militia from the city of Misrata and an ally of Fajr Libya, said his fighters would respect the ceasefire.
Fajr Libya did not take part in the first round of peace talks in Geneva last week, during which Libya’s opposing factions agreed on a roadmap to form a unity government and to further discussions.
Libya’s rival government, the General National Congress, which also did not attend the Geneva talks, said on Sunday that it will not send delegates to next week’s discussions.
“The talks must take place on Libyan soil,” a statement said.
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