United States has joined United Nations in commending the creation of a new Libyan joint force to secure the Great Man-Made River (MMR).
“The United States joins UNSMIL in commending this significant step to protect Libya’s vital water resources and promote national reconciliation,” said U.S. Envoy and Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland.
“Such military cooperation can serve as a model for reunification of the armed forces at a time when the sovereignty of Libya and the stability of the region need it most,” U.S. Embassy in Libya quoted Norland.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had welcomed on Thursday the creation of a new joint force, from both sides of the demarcation lines, comprising the 166 Battalion for Protection and Security from Misrata and the Tareq Bin Ziyad Brigade of the Libyan National Army (LNA), which has been tasked to secure MMR.
“The Mission commends these efforts, conducted in coordination with the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). It is a very significant step forward towards the unification of the military institution and the country,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
“I strongly welcome this achievement, which would not only ensure the security of the Great Man-Made River and uninterrupted flow of water supply, but also paves the way for further confidence-building measures and eventually for the full implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement as well as for the reunification of state institutions,” said Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Libya, and Head of UNSMIL, Jan Kubis.
“This step sends a strong message to Libyans and international actors that Libyans are able and willing to overcome their differences and come together in building a unified, stable, prosperous and democratic country,” he added.