U.S. Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said Saturday’s clashes in Misrata demonstrate the dangerous prospect that the recent violence will escalate.
“The United States urges all political actors and their supporters among armed groups to stand down in order to avoid escalation and further loss of life,” US Embassy in Libya quoted Norland.
“Armed efforts either to test or to defend the political status quo risk bringing Libya back to an era its citizens thought had been left behind. Those responsible for such a scenario will be held accountable,” Norland pointed out.
“These heightened tensions demonstrate the urgent necessity for Libya’s political leaders to immediately embrace an agreed path to elections which can install a truly legitimate, unified government to serve the interests of all Libyans,” he added.