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Libya Cease-Fire 'Critical' Step Toward Peace, Stability, UN Chief Says

Margaret Besheer

   NEW YORK - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed a permanent
   and immediate nationwide cease-fire in Libya signed Friday by the two
   main warring parties.

   "There is no military solution for the conflict in Libya," Guterres
   told reporters. "This cease-fire agreement is a critical step, but
   there is much hard work ahead."

   The agreement calls for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord
   (GNA) and the forces of General Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army
   (LNA) to pull back to their bases. The truce, which was signed under
   U.N. auspices in Geneva, also demands the withdrawal of all foreign
   fighters and mercenaries within three months.

   Mercenaries and fighters from Russia and Turkey have been involved in
   prolonging the conflict in oil-rich Libya. Other nations, including the
   United Arab Emirates and Egypt have intervened, sending large amounts
   of weapons and air support.

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