UN warns against use of violence to resolve legitimacy claims in Libya

The U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Tuesday that it is following with “deep concern” the ongoing mobilization of forces in Tripoli and warns against “threats to resort to force to resolve legitimacy claims in Libya.”

In a statement, the U.N. affirmed that the “current political stalemate and all aspects of the crisis that afflict Libya cannot be resolved through armed confrontation.”

“These issues can only be resolved by the Libyan people exercising their right to choose their leaders and the renewal of legitimacy of State institutions through democratic elections,” it said.

The Mission called for “immediate de-escalation” and reiterated that the use of force by any party is “not acceptable” and “will not lead to an outcome that secures recognition by the international community.”