The foreign ministers of Italy, France and Germany arrived - today, Thursday - in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, as part of a European mission aimed at opening dialogue channels with the new government, while the United Nations expressed its concern over reports of the continued presence of mercenaries.
Upon his arrival in Tripoli, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the progress in Libya was one of the few bright spots in foreign policy over the past year.
He added that when the Libyans manage their future in their own hands, only then will the ceasefire turn into real peace and reconciliation.
This joint visit comes less than two weeks after the formation of a new unified Libyan government responsible for managing the transitional phase, headed by Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba, leading to the general elections scheduled for the end of this year.
Guterres Report
For his part, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in a report submitted to the Security Council, expressed his deep concern over reports of the continued presence of foreign elements in Sirte and its surroundings and central Libya.
In his report, Guterres also expressed regret that no reduction in the number of foreign forces or their activities had been reported in central Libya.
The departure of mercenaries from Libya is still slow, according to the United Nations (Al-Jazeera)
The Secretary-General reiterated his call on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations.
In his report, Guterres detailed his proposal for the gradual deployment of a mission monitoring the ceasefire and the departure of mercenaries and foreign forces.
Guterres does not specify the number of the proposed observers, but indicates that they are unarmed civilians and will be deployed in agreement with the Libyan parties.
Slight move
On the other hand, the French Press Agency obtained the document, which revealed a slight and insufficient move to withdraw some mercenaries.
The document indicates that foreign forces have been withdrawn from the city center and west of Sirte, to contribute to securing the city and reopening Al-Gardabiya airport.
For his part, the United Nations envoy to Libya Jan Kubis said that there is a consensus among the Libyans on the need for the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
During his briefing at the UN Security Council session on Libya, Kubis stressed the importance of opening the coastal road to implement the ceasefire on the ground.