European envoys to Libya call for ceasefire

The Special Envoys for Libya of the Arab League, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States have expressed concern at the ongoing violence in Libya and its humanitarian consequences.

In a joint statement, the envoys said that the situation in Libya had now reached a critical stage.

"We call for a ceasefire from all sides, even more as Eid is approaching. We appeal to all sides to demonstrate a willingness to compromise and hope that all parties will agree to enter into an inclusive political dialogue on the back of the ceasefire agreement. The International Community stands ready to support all efforts and to help respect the political process," the envoys said.

'In this regard, the UN should play a leading role in reaching a ceasefire in conjunction with the Libyan government and other internal partners, with the full support of the international envoys.

"The Council of Representatives must have the opportunity to convene according to the time table set out in the law. We encourage the CoR to carry out its tasks in a spirit of inclusiveness, moderation and in the interest of the country."

The Maltese government has told MaltaToday it now has all preparations in place in case of an evacuation, after earlier Saturday the United States announced it had evacuated its embassy staff from Tripoli and into Tunisia, by land.

The envoys to Libya called on the Libyan government to ensure the safety of diplomatica missions, and called on international and regional stakeholders to engage constructively to these aim. "We urge the internationla community to remain fully engaged in support of the Libyan institutions and assist them throughout the transition."