Middle East

EU calls for Libya ceasefire, warns of threat to security

Associated Press
Published | Updated

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, right, speaks with Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, center, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the Europa building in Brussels, Monday, May 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attends a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the Europa building in Brussels, Monday, May 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

The European Union is calling for a ceasefire in Libya, warning that the conflict around the capital Tripoli is a threat to international peace and security.

The self-styled Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, launched an offensive on Tripoli last month. The LNA, based in eastern Libya, is battling rival militias loosely allied with the U.N.-supported government in the capital.

In a statement Monday, EU foreign ministers called "on all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to engage with the United Nations to ensure a full and comprehensive cessation of hostilities."

They underline that "indiscriminate attacks on densely populated residential areas may amount to war crimes" and say those responsible should be held to account.

Tripoli-based government head Fayez Sarraj met with the ministers Monday.