Kerry, US Allies Underscore Support for Libya's Unity Government - State Dept.

Sputnik News

19:05 31.10.2016

US Secretary of State John Kerry and officials from France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United Nations underscored their support for increasing the capacity of the Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister al-Sarraj to respond to the needs of the Libyan people, according to official statement.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of State John Kerry and officials from France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United Nations met with Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj of Libya to reiterate international support for his country's unity government, US Department of State spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said in a press release Monday.

"The ministers underscored their support for increasing the capacity of the [Government of National Accord] led by Prime Minister al-Sarraj to respond to the needs of the Libyan people," the release stated.

Additionally, they endorsed upcoming technical talks to implement capacity-building initiatives and called on Libya's economic institutions to support such efforts.

Furthermore, they emphasized their commitment to providing the Government of National Accord humanitarian, security, counterterror and technical assistance, as well as help with operations against the Islamic State in the Mediterranean port city of Sirte.

Earlier Monday, Libyan government forces began a final offensive on the Daesh's positions in Sirte.

Since August, the United States has supported the Government of National Accord's operations with airstrikes against Daesh positions around Sirte.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil since longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011. The UN-backed Government of National Accord has failed to unite the country since taking office in March.

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