Following the meeting in Zuwara, western Libya, between Libyan and US delegations, the US Embassy in Libya issued a statement that suggested that Washington had drawn a ceasefire line that went beyond Sirte and the oil ports, all the way to the Jafra area.
The American delegation to the Zuwara meeting was led by US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, and Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Stephen Townsend, while the Libyan delegation was composed of the head of the Government of National Accord, Fayez al-Sarraj, Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, and a number of military leaders.
In the current context of escalating foreign intervention in Libya, the meeting focused on the current opportunities for “a strategic pause in military operations by all parties to the conflict,” said a statement released by the US embassy,
According to the statement, General Townsend presented his military perspective on the risk of escalation, the dangers posed by Russia’s support to Wagner operations, and the strategic importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean.
“US Africa Command provided the security that enabled this important Department of State engagement with Prime Minister Sarraj. We emphasised to the Libyan delegation that all sides need to return to UN-led ceasefire and political negotiations because this tragic conflict is robbing all Libyans of their future,” General Townsend said.
For his part, Ambassador Norland said that “the current violence fuels the potential resurgence of ISIS and Al Qaeda in Libya, is further dividing the country for the benefit of foreign actors, and prolongs human suffering. External actors should stop fueling the conflict, respect the UN arms embargo, and uphold commitments made at the Berlin Summit.”