Proposed UN resolution demands immediate cease-fire in Libya

UNITED NATIONS – A proposed U.N. resolution demands that all parties in Libya immediately de-escalate the fighting and commit to a cease-fire.

The British-drafted resolution, circulated to Security Council members and obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, also calls on all parties to immediately re-commit to attending a U.N.-facilitated political dialogue "and work toward a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Libya."

The draft resolution expresses "grave concern" at military activity near Tripoli, which began after Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter's self-styled Libyan National Army — aligned with a rival government in the east — launched its offensive on April 3. The internationally supported U.N.-backed government, which is weaker, is based in Tripoli.

It says the offensive "threatens the stability of Libya" and prospects for the national dialogue and a political solution in Libya, and has had a "serious humanitarian impact."

The Security Council is divided over Hifter's offensive.

Hifter is supported by Russia, France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates who see him as the best hope of stabilizing the troubled country and combatting extremists.

A proposed press statement soon after the offensive began that urged the Libyan National Army to halt the offensive was blocked by Russia, one of the permanent council members. Such statements require approval by all 15 council members.

The proposal stresses the need for the parties to engage with U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame "with the aim of achieving a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political solution to bring security, political and economic sustainability, and national unity to Libya."