The latest information is not encouraging. Fighting is continuing around Tripoli, there have been dozens of deaths and a more serious confrontation is to be feared.
In view of this, three commitments must be made: firstly, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. This concerns both parties, not only Marshal Haftar but also Prime Minister Sarraj. The French President spoke to Prime Minister Sarraj yesterday, with this goal of an immediate ceasefire and then a resumption of dialogue. It’s all the more necessary because there was an agreement between the two parties in Abu Dhabi a few days ago, and this agreement enabled the transition to be ensured before political elections. The agreement was broken, so dialogue must be re-established on the basis of the Abu Dhabi agreement and under the responsibility of the United Nations and Mr Guterres’ representative on the ground, Mr Ghassan Salamé.
Finally, thirdly, there must be the prospect of a political settlement, because there will be no military solution in that country. A political settlement is necessary on foundations which are more or less known by everyone, and it requires presidential and general elections before the end of the year.
As you can see, that country is essential not only for our security and for stability in the Mediterranean but also for controlling migration, and the country is suffering from the fact that, since 2014 in particular but since 2011 in fact, there has been no political will to achieve a resolution to the crisis. It’s actually the refusal to have political debate and a political solution that has brought about the instability, and not vice versa.
So it’s important for the parties involved to get together, under the aegis of the United Nations, to achieve these results.
France is actively working to this end by talking to everyone along the same lines.