A high-profile US delegation held a virtual meeting with Libyan Government of National Accord's officials, including Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha, discussing militia demobilization in the east and west.
The US State Department said in a statement that the meeting on last Wednesday saw discussion on the need for the end of the siege of Tripoli, which had created a renewed opportunity and an imperative to address militias, in the west and in the east of Libya.
"As part of continued US engagement with all sides, the US delegation will convene a similar conversation with Haftar forces' representatives," the US State Department explained.
According to the statement, the two parties affirmed that all Libyan citizens should enjoy the protection of capable and accountable security forces, free from the dangers posed by militias, armed groups, and foreign fighters.
The Libyan Interior Ministry delegation briefed the US side on its efforts to promote security and a program for militia disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), as well as ongoing work to neutralize unexploded ordnance in the Tripoli region.
“The delegations reaffirmed that armed groups that attempt to spoil the political process or engage in criminal acts do so at a significant risk of international sanctions.” The US State Department remarked.
The US delegation stressed opposition to all foreign intervention in Libya and discussed the imperative of an immediate ceasefire and return to UN-facilitated security and political negotiations.