U.S., France, others urge de-escalation of tensions in Libya

The governments of France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and the United States said on Thursday they were deeply concerned about fighting around the Libyan town of Gharyan and urged all sides to immediately de-escalate tensions.

"At this sensitive moment in Libya's transition, military posturing and threats of unilateral action only risk propelling Libya back toward chaos," they said in a joint statement released in Washington by the State Department. "We strongly believe that there is no military solution to the Libya conflict."

The European Union said it is deeply concerned by the military buildup underway in Libya and the escalatory rhetoric which seriously risks leading to an uncontrollable confrontation.

"We urge all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions and cease all acts of provocation. There can be no military solution to the Libyan crisis." The EU said in a joint statement posted by the EU Delegation in Libya on Facebook on Thursday.

The statement added that the Libyan people deserve to live in peace and security and that the current situation requires decision makers to act responsibly and finally put the national interest first.

The EU said it fully supports the mediating efforts of UN envoy Ghassan Salame including the meetings recently held in Abu Dhabi.

"The upcoming National Conference scheduled in a few days offers an historic opportunity for all segments of Libyan society to agree on the political roadmap that will end the transition." The EU added.

The EU urged all parties to seize the opportunity of the visit of UN Secretary General António Guterres to engage in a spirit of compromise in order to avoid further bloodshed and build a better future for all Libyans.

EU delegation in Libya is the only international body that has issued a statement about the escalation in the country, while the UNSMIL has not yet issued any comments.

However, Head of the UNSMIL, Ghassan Salame said on his personal Twitter account that he calls on Libyans not to receive the UN Secretary General with provocative military operations.

The UN Secretary General, who is visiting Tripoli, said on his Twitter account on Thursday that he is deeply concerned about the military movements and the fighting in Libya, adding that there can be no military solution to the crisis.