UNSMIL issues a statement on violations of the arms embargo in Libya

Libyan Cloud News Agency – Tripoli

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has deeply regretted the continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya.

In a statement on Saturday, January 25, UNSMIL said the arms embargo violations were committed even after the commitments made by concerned countries during the International Conference on Libya in Berlin on January 19.

UNSMIL added that the truce agreed by the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) on January 12 has provided a much-needed respite for civilians in Tripoli.

“This fragile truce is now threatened by the ongoing transfer of foreign fighters, weapons, ammunition and advanced systems to the parties by member states, including several who participated in the Berlin Conference,” the statement read.

UNSMIL explained that numerous cargo and other flights have been observed landing at Libyan airports in the western and eastern parts of the country over the last ten days, providing the warring parties with advanced weapons, armoured vehicles, advisers and fighters.

“The mission condemns these ongoing violations, which risk plunging the country into a renewed and intensified round of fighting,” the statement concluded.