UN Secretary-General calls on all parties in Libya to avoid acts of violence

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres is following with concern the demonstrations that were held in several cities in Libya, including Tripoli, Tobruk, and Benghazi, said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Recognizing the right to demonstrate peacefully, he calls on all protestors to avoid acts of violence and on the security forces to exercise utmost restraint.

The Secretary-General calls on all actors to refrain from any actions that could undermine stability. The Secretary-General urges Libyan actors to come together to overcome the continued political deadlock, which is deepening divisions and negatively impacting the country’s economy.

Mass protests were held in Libya on July 1, demanding the dissolution of all state bodies and the holding of elections. People flocked to the streets both in the west and east of the country where the dual government was established. Demonstrators stormed the House of Representatives building in Tobruk.