Germany: ‘Good progress’ on Libya talks in Berlin

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - There has been a “good progress” in the just-concluded talks on Libya in the German capital Berlin, aimed at de-escalation and re-imposing ceasefire in the north African nation, a German official said.

Responding to a question raised by Anadolu Agency at a weekly news briefing, Christofer Burger, a government spokesman said: "I can tell you that we have made good progress in this meeting and continue to work constructively to find the appropriate international framework for the Libyan process under the mediation of the United Nations."

“There is consensus in many different core areas, including that there is no military solution and that we urgently need a ceasefire," he added.

Burger vowed his country's "continued support" for UN-led mediation efforts in the Libyan dialogue process.

The Libyan capital Tripoli, the headquarters of Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), has been under attack since early April from forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, a renegade commander from the east of the country.

The offensive by Haftar's forces quickly turned into a stalemate, and both sides, drawing on support from foreign powers, have used drones and fighter jets to carry out airstrikes amid sporadic fighting.

The clashes between the two sides have left over 1,000 people dead and around 5,500 wounded, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The oil-rich country has remained gripped by turmoil since 2011, when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in a NATO-backed uprising after four decades in power.

Libya has since seen the emergence of two rival seats of power, including one in eastern Libya, with which Haftar is affiliated, and the Tripoli-based GNA, which enjoys UN recognition.