U.S. “Concerned” Over Recent Armed Clashes in Libyan Capital

US State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed the United States' concern about the clashes that took place between armed factions in Libya last week.

In his daily press conference on Tuesday, Price said in response to a question by Al-Hurra, "This is something that worries us very much."

Price urged "all groups to refrain from violence.” He noted that the US special envoy to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland, "spoke with Abdul-Hamid Dbaiba and Fathi Bashagha, on Sunday, and both sides committed to finding ways to de-escalate the situation and prevent further loss of life."

Price expressed his belief that "the recent clashes demonstrate the urgent need for Libya's political leaders to immediately follow the agreed-upon path to holding elections that can lead to the establishment of a legitimate and united government that serves the interests of all Libyans."

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Africa, Martha Pobee, said that Libya's "drowning" into a constitutional and political impasse led to an escalation of clashes, a bad economic situation and demonstrations across the country from frustrated citizens.

She added that, "despite some progress, a constitutional and political stalemate continues, prolonging tensions and fuelling insecurity, while clashes in and around Tripoli surge."

According to a statement issued by the UN, Pobee noted that the economic situation in Libya remains dire. “We have witnessed demonstrations by frustrated Libyans over the lack of progress on elections and poor State services. In addition, the human rights situation in the country remains of “serious concern," she said.

Last Thursday and Friday, Tripoli witnessed armed clashes between militias, followed by other clashes, Saturday, on the outskirts of Misrata, which raised fears about the "collapse of the truce."

The clashes took place a few days after "a rare meeting between senior military leaders from western and eastern Libya to name one chief of staff to unify the military institution."