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Libya: UN envoy calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Oil Crescent area

by IBNS 12 Sep 2016, 08:06 pm

New York, Sept 13 (Just Earth News): Expressing grave concerns over recent fighting in Libya's Oil Crescent area, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the country and the head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Martin Kobler called on military forces that moved into the area to immediately stop fighting and refrain from any further military escalation.

“I urge all parties to avoid any damage to the oil facilities. Natural resources belong to all Libyans and preserving oil infrastructure is in the national interest,” said Kobler in a news release issued by the Mission.

“Attacks on the oil terminals further threaten the stability and lead to a greater division of the country. They further restrict the oil exports and add to people's suffering,” he added.

He further called for respecting the UN Security Council Resolution 2259 that recognises the Government of National Accord consisting of the Presidency Council and the cabinet as the sole executive authority in the country.

The resolution also contains a clear prohibition on illicit oil exports, noted the news release.

The release also mentioned that Kobler joined the Presidency Council's calls for a comprehensive national consensus and expressed his support for consultations that would lead to the formation of a new Government of National Accord.