US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker said on Thursday that Turkey had intervened militarily in Libya after the influx of Russian military equipment and Wagner’s mercenaries into the country.
Schenker expressed US concern about the continued flow of Russian military equipment, weapons, and Wagner mercenaries to Libya, and said that his country sees foreign military intervention in Libya as a challenge to US interests, regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and a tragedy for the Libyan people.
Schenker reiterated his country’s call to reduce the escalation in Libya, the ceasefire and the return to political negotiations, saying that Libyans and all parties must act so that Russia or others cannot intervene.
He pointed out that the agreement of the Government of National Accord and the Libyan national army to return to the negotiations led by the United Nations “is a positive first step that requires a speedy implementation to reach a ceasefire and re-launch the dialogue between Libyans to achieve a long-term solution.”
The US official hailed the delegations of the GNA and the LNA for their participation in the 5+5 talks, but said, “Attendance is not enough. We want to see all Libyans meet together to take responsibility for their country.”
Schenker expressed his country’s concern over reports that the GNA forces had found bodies, IEDs and mines in areas they had recently taken over, while he also expressed his concern that the attack on Sirte would have grave humanitarian consequences.
“We call clearly and loudly on all parties in Libya to silence their weapons and resume negotiations led by the United Nations.”
