World

France, Germany and Italy call for end to Libya fighting

epa02699480 A Libyan pre-Gaddafi era flag is seen as a rebel fighter keeps watch at a check point in the town of Ajdabiya, Libya, 23 April 2011. According to a Foreign Ministry official, after weeks of fierce fighting with Benghazi-based rebels, Gaddafi's forces would withdraw from Misurata and the local tribes would be left to settle the issue, either by force or negotiations. The official said that locals in neighbouring communities around Misurata had given the Libyan Army an ultimatum to finish off the rebels quickly. When the deadline was not met, the tribes vowed to deal with the rebels themselves. Rebels say at least 1,000 have been killed in Misurata, Libya's third most populous city, about 200 kilometers east of Tripoli. The key rebel foothold in western Libya, it has been besieged by Gaddafi forces for eight weeks. EPA/VASSIL DONEV

France, Germany and Italy called on forces in Libya to halt combat and for external parties to cease any intervention to seek and obtain political talks back on track.
“In light of the growing risks of a deterioration of the situation in Libya … France, Germany and Italy call on all Libyan parties to immediately and unconditionally cease fighting,” the countries announced in a joint statement.

“They also urge foreign actors to end all interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council.”
Ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have soured in recent weeks over the Libyan conflict.