UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain Laud Renewed Dialogue on Libya

WASHINGTON, January 11 (Sputnik) — Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States have welcomed the upcoming round of talks on the Libyan crisis, due to take place in the Swiss capital of Geneva next week, a joint statement published by the US Department of State said.

"We strongly urge the parties to engage seriously in this process to avert a further deterioration in the humanitarian crisis suffered by ordinary Libyans as a result of the ongoing conflict, and to prevent the further erosion of Libya's sovereignty and security," the statement said.

The countries praised the "extraordinary efforts" of UN Special Representative for Libya Bernardino Leon, who earlier proposed that warring parties in Libya "freeze" the ongoing military conflict and get back on track toward a political dialogue.

The talks will be aimed at reaching an agreement on how to manage the country during the transitional period and form a unity government that enjoys wide support, with the end goal of creating a stable environment in Libya.

Libya has been gripped by violence since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The internal political crisis has resulted in a two-government system, with the Islamist-backed, self-proclaimed government of Omar Hassi, contesting the leadership of Abdullah Thani's internationally recognized government. In addition, government forces are fighting with numerous armed rebel groups.

On Saturday, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it would host a meeting between Libya's warring factions next week that will also touch on security arrangements to stop armed hostilities in the country.