Libya's GNA Vice PM, US Amb. Urge End of Armed Escalation in Sirte

On Monday, the deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Ahmed Maiteeq held a phone conversation with the U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, during which, the latter reviewed the results of his recent tour to Libya.

During the talks, the two officials stressed the need to halt the armed escalation in the city of Sirte and to restore and secure the oil fields in preparation for the resumption of work in them.

Oil-rich Libya has been mired in chaos since the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It now has two rival authorities and a multitude of militias vying for control of the country.

The country’s internationally recognised government is based in Tripoli, while Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, is supported by a parallel administration based in the east.

Notably, Maiteeq held also phone talks on Sunday with the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (ASRSG) to Libya, Stephanie Williams, during which, they discussed the auditing process of accounts of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL).

During the talks, he held the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces, deployed in the oil ports, responsible for the facilities' security and safety, as they contain highly flammable materials, as stated by the National Oil Corporation.

At the beginning of August, Williams was in London and delivered a very worrying assessment on the situation in Libya. “With so many external actors with their own agendas, the risk of miscalculation and a regional confrontation is high,” she said.

Williams is due to leave her position by October. As yet there is no agreement between the EU and the US on who should replace her, and his or her mandate.

Williams’ departure without a named successor would only highlight the diplomatic chaos in Libya, with time is running out before the situation gets completely out of hand.