US president Barack Obama stated the United States does not plan to intervene in Libya, but stressed that the US will not allow ISIS to further expand in the country.
During a press conference with the British prime minister David Cameron, Obama said supporting the new Libyan government is the key challenge.
The internationally recognised Tobruk parliament failed to issue a vote of support for the Government of National Accord (GNA) on Friday. However, a pro-GNA group, who say they number over 100 members, issued a statement urging the government to swear in members next week at an undisclosed location.
Gaining the support of the Tobruk parliament is crucial to fulfilling the UN-backed agreement that resulted in the GNA’s formation.
UN envoy to Libya Martin Kopler said he was disappointed that the parliament did not issue a vote of confidence on Friday.
“I find it regrettable that, yet again, a clear majority of the House of Representatives are denied the right to vote,” said Kopler, on his official Twitter account.
“I support the intention of the majority to proceed to a swearing in of the GNA in a safe place in Libya. The GNA has to rapidly take charge,” said Kopler.
Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry emphasised the importance of maintaining the credibility of the Tobruk parliament as an elected institution.
During his meeting with Kopler Thursday, Shoukry urged the warring Libyan factions to unite to support Libyan institutions.
Shoukry and Kopler discussed the security situation in Libya and the effort made by the new government to take control of Libyan state institutions. They also addressed the situation with with Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of the Libyan presidential council.
Shoukry also emphasised the Libyan national army’s necessary role in fighting terrorism.
Last week, Britian’s Foreign Affairs Minister Philip Hammond announced that the international community is ready to help the GNA by training Libyan forces.
After several failed attempts to train Libyan forces, Hammond said the circumstances in Libya are now suitable, and the two warring parties understand that the “Islamic State” (IS) is their enemy.
The British minister said the Libyan government will receive £10m to support efforts to curtail illegal migration, smuggling, and organised crime and to support counter-terrorism efforts.
