Western war on Libya

[angelburst29]

NO GROUND TROOPS, BUT BRITISH AND ITALIAN SPECIAL FORCES AMBUSHED IN LIBYA
http://novorossia.today/no-ground-troops-british-italian-special-forces-ambushed-libya/

Details are extremely scant, mostly because both nations continue to deny having ground troops in Libya, but a group of British and Italian special forces inside Libya were said to have been ambushed by ISIS forces in an incident on Wednesday.

The ambush included suicide bombers, and Italian troops were said to have been “killed or wounded” in the incident, while some reports also suggested some of the British special forces may have been captured in the attack, which began with vehicle bombers.

Reports from earlier this month suggested Italy is looking to lead a 6,000-troop ground invasion of Libya, with Britain expected to provide about 1,000 of those troops. The invasion is predicated on the UN-backed “unity government” ever getting enough legitimacy to endorse the invasion.

Yet Britain is believed to have had troops in Libya for months, as have the US, Italy, and France. The special forces deployments are being presented as something short of an invasion, however, with the US claiming their troops are there trying to find allies for a future war.

New Website dedicated to Libyan news and progress.

Understanding Libya
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/understanding-libya/

Introduction - In 2011 Libya, the most prosperous democracy in Africa, was targeted for destruction. Terrorist death squads were unleashed upon the nation. A NATO bombing campaign destroyed the country and plunged it into chaos. NATO’s death squads seized control of most of the oil-rich territory, although 5 years later, the Libyan people continue to resist. After the 2011 NATO assault, accurate information about what has been going on in the country is very rare.
Thus I decided to turn for help to Alexandra Valiente, one of the few in the west who continues to follow events closely and who has contacts inside the country. She is the editor of the Jamahiriya News Agency and Viva Libya websites which cover events in Libya. She is also the editor of Libya 360 (devoted to news and resistance movements in Africa and Latin America) Syria 360 and Revolutionary Strategic Studies. You can follow her on twitter @libya360 and @jamahiriyanews. She generously agreed to do an interview with me on the current situation in Libya and so below I present the first part of our conversation.

HT
Who are the Green Resistance? As Libyans continue to reject the new order could you discuss some of the activities of the Green Resistance in the years since 2011?

AV
During the NATO war, the Libyan people valiantly withstood empire’s barbaric, criminal “Operation Unified Protector” for close to 9 months. The heroic men, women and youth that fought in defense of their nation were the Green Resistance.

(Introduction continues.)



Libya: Tribes, Militias, Interests and Intervention (Map)
https://jamahiriyanewsagency.wordpress.com/2016/03/30/libya-tribes-militia-interests-and-intervention/

March 30, 2016 - Moon of Alabama

A concerted effort over Easter for the GNA in exile in Tunis to ‘take power’ in Tripoli failed completely despite the spin and false optimism of the UN and the U.S. and UK in particular. (Article continues.)




Sergei Lavrov: Prosecution For War Crimes In Libya Necessary
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/sergei-lavrov-prosecution-for-war-crimes-in-libya-necessary/

Back dated October 25, 2012 - US Blocks Russian UNSC Proposal To End Libyan Bloodshed

Approximate Translation: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday, October 25 / October that Moscow hopes that those responsible for killing civilians and violating the laws of war during combat operations in Libya before the international court.

Lavrov said at a news conference in Moscow with his Swiss Didier Borjaltr: “We hope to be taking these steps toward what happened in Libya. Because it had already taken decisions need to account all those responsible for the bloodshed and killing of civilians and violated the laws of war and humanitarian laws. But we do not hear any news on how to implement these decisions. ”

Lavrov also discussed possible to prosecute those responsible for the bloodshed in Syria, but said that before everything must pay the conflicting parties to stop fighting and sit behind the negotiating table.

The Russian foreign minister went on to say: “There is no doubt that the issues of accountability for violations of international humanitarian laws and violation of human rights, must be part of the final settlement of the conflict and national reconciliation.”

Lavrov: Russia asked the Security Council to explanations about what is going on in Bani Walid Lavrov stressed that Russia had asked the UN Security Council clarification about what is going on in the city of Bani Walid Libyan against the backdrop of reports of civilian casualties there. The minister recalled that Russia’s partners in the Security Council blocked the release of a Russian initiative statement condemning violations in Bani Walid.

Lavrov stressed that it is important to know how Libyan forces entered Bani Walid on Wednesday after days of fierce fighting that killed dozens of victims.

Lavrov pointed to the need to pay attention to the violations took place in Libya since the start of NATO operations there.

Russia has proposed to the Security Council to issue a statement on the recent events in Libya, where clashes broke out between pro-government forces and fighters of the supporters of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi. Vitaly Churkin announced Russia’s permanent representative to the Security Council that the United States prevented the issuance of the statement during a meeting of the Council on 23 October / October.

Source: Agency “RIA Novosti” & “Russia Today” RT Arabic

Statement of the 50th Infantry Battalion of the Arab Jamahiriya Armed Forces in Rishvana on remarks made by UN envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler, and Defence Minister of Italy, Roberta Pinotti, f Regarding marginalizing the role of the army .

Rishvana Armed Forces Condemn UN Envoy to Libya Martin Kobler and Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti (Photos - Video)
https://jamahiriyanewsagency.wordpress.com/2016/05/02/rishvana-armed-forces-on-un-envoy-to-libya-martin-kobler-and-defence-minister-of-italy-roberta-pinotti/
Posted by Jamahiriya News Agency on May 2, 2016



Martin Kobler Collaborating With Da’esh, Libya’s New Rulers
https://jamahiriyanewsagency.wordpress.com/2016/03/31/unsmils-martin-koebler-managing-goa-takeover-of-libya-in-meeting-with-al-qaeda-in-istanbul/

March 31, 2016 - On Wednesday evening, UN envoy Martin Kobler, held a meeting in Istanbul with militia leaders from Libya.

Attendees included the notorious Abdel Hakim Belhaj, al Qaeda commander.

Other Islamist militia leaders present were:

Hafed Gaddour of the Coalition of liberal forces,
Rufadi Abdallah of the National Front,
Jamal Ashur of the National party,
Abdel Mona Fageh of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The significance of the location of the meeting will not be lost on well informed readers – one of the headquarters of the global Gladio network of terror.

All power brokers in attendance are guilty of treason, terrorism, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ongoing human rights violations.

Had Martin Kobler not surrendered to his compulsion to boast on his twitter account, this information would never have been made public.

Let no one be deceived about what is really happening in Libya or be duped into believing there is any legitimacy to this new “government of accord”.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

Daesh terrorist group can be driven out of Libya by military means, the UN Special Representative for Libya Martin Kobler said Thursday.

UN Special Envoy Defends Military Action to Combat Daesh in Libya
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160505/1039126051/un-libya-daesh.html

Daesh boasts 6,000 fighters in Libya, according to US intelligence estimates.

Following years of instability since the overthrow of its longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, security in Libya descended into chaos amid clashes between rival factions and the emergence of Daesh.

Reports began to emerge in recent months that Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the United States deployed or planned to deploy special forces in the conflict-torn country to assist the local military in combating the terrorist group banned in many countries including Russia.

The international community did not protect the democratically-elected parliament in Libya from the attacks of Islamists and demanded to share power with them, former Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril told Sputnik.

Ex-PM: Int'l Community Doesn't Defend Libyan Parliament From Islamists
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160505/1039107909/libya-parliament-islamist-attacks.html

Following the Arab Spring protests in early 2011 and the overthrow of long-standing leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya plunged into political turmoil. Two rival governments were then formed in the country, the internationally-recognized Council of Deputies in Tobruk and the Islamist-dominated General National Congress (GNC) in Tripoli. In December, they agreed to create the Government of National Accord.

"Compared to the situation in Yemen [where the government has been fighting Houthi rebels], the international community did not support the legitimately elected Libyan parliament in the face of the Islamist attacks, but, on the contrary, demanded to engage them in power structures," Jibril, who served as Libyan prime minister between March and October in 2011, said

As the Government of National Accord was set up in the country, the High Council of State was also established, which includes some GNC members. Jibril said he was surprised that the foreign ministers of some countries came to meet the new government despite the fact that it had not yet been approved by the parliament.

UK, French, Italian and German foreign policy chiefs have visited Libya to meet the country's unity government.

Daesh Sleeper Cells Daesh sleeper cells in the Libyan capital of Tripoli pose the greatest threat to the security of the country.

He stressed that in order to effectively fight terrorists Libya needed a well-equipped army, even if it were not very numerous, but the situation was difficult in light of the UN ban on arms deliveries to the country.

According to Jibril, Russia could play a positive role in solving problems Libya was facing.

"The establishing of strategic relations with Russia could help achieve balance and give Libya alternatives. I wish the Libyans were shown that they are not alone, that they have friends. Libya has the right to cooperate with those who will respect its will," Jibril said.

Jibril occupied the post of Libya's prime minister during the tumultuous times in the country between March and October 2011, as the state descended into political chaos after the Arab Spring uprising and the overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Details are extremely scant, mostly because both nations continue to deny having ground troops in Libya, but a group of British and Italian special forces inside Libya were said to have been ambushed by ISIS forces in an incident on Wednesday.

NO GROUND TROOPS, BUT BRITISH AND ITALIAN SPECIAL FORCES AMBUSHED IN LIBYA
http://novorossia.today/no-ground-troops-british-italian-special-forces-ambushed-libya/

The ambush included suicide bombers, and Italian troops were said to have been “killed or wounded” in the incident, while some reports also suggested some of the British special forces may have been captured in the attack, which began with vehicle bombers.

Reports from earlier this month suggested Italy is looking to lead a 6,000-troop ground invasion of Libya, with Britain expected to provide about 1,000 of those troops. The invasion is predicated on the UN-backed “unity government” ever getting enough legitimacy to endorse the invasion.

Yet Britain is believed to have had troops in Libya for months, as have the US, Italy, and France. The special forces deployments are being presented as something short of an invasion, however, with the US claiming their troops are there trying to find allies for a future war.

As European Special Forces battle Daesh, also known as IS/Islamic State, in Syria and Iraq, the extremist group has, this week, reportedly ambushed Italian and British troops in Libya for the first time.

Daesh Ambushes British-Italian Troops Operating in Libya – Israeli Media
http://sputniknews.com/africa/20160430/1038871881/daesh-libya-ambush.html

On Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond indicated that he would not rule out the possibility of joining the US and European allies in sending ground troops into Libya.

But according to DEBKAfile, Britain already has Special Forces troops operating in Libya alongside Italian counterparts, and having come under fire by Daesh militants on Wednesday, any Western invasion could now face complications.

DEBKAfile’s military sources report that the incident occurred on April 27, as a convoy of Italian, British, and Libyan forces moved from the city of Misrata toward the Daesh-held city of Sirte. The ambush involved vehicles packed with explosives, which pulled up alongside the convoy before detonating.

Western forces were only able to repel additional attackers with the aid of Italian and French warplanes and attack helicopters.

"Italian troops were among those killed or wounded in the battle, but there is no information whether there were British casualties as well," DEBKAfile reports. "Some reports say members of the Western force were taken prisoner by ISIS, although they have yet to be identified."

Sources also describe an effort by Western powers to silence reports of the incident.

"A joint command consisting of officers from Britain, France, Italy, Germany and the US that is responsible for planning the invasion of Libya, as well as the Italian and British defense ministries, imposed a media blackout regarding the battle," DEBKAfile reports.

One day after the incident, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni expressed a different sentiment.

"Italy has no plans to send troops to Libya without a request from the unity government that is backed by the UN," he told parliament, according to DEBKAfile.

The Tripoli Court of Appeals announced today that they will defer prosecution of Al-Saadi Gaddafi until May 10. Their stated intent was to permit the defense team more time to prepare for the hearing.

Saadi Gaddafi’s Trial Postponed to May 10
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/saadi-gaddafis-trial-postponed-to-may-10/

However, as the Al Hadba prison and Court are in the midst of a transfer of power from the militias that support the deposed GNC, the former GNC and the new, yet illegitimate “government of accord”, it is legally impossible for any trials to proceed. Add to this the fact that the GNC (and the Tripoli Judiciary) were never acknowledged as legitimate either within Libya or within the international milieu.

Given that the prisoners held at Al Hadba have been tortured, subjected to inhumane treatment, denied choice of legal counsel, denied private consultations with their defense team, their legal counsel unable to obtain vital documents or attend most sessions due to ongoing fighting in Tripoli, and that many of the prisoners were extradited for bribe money, these mock tribunals must cease and all prisoners be released. Without exception, the trials are about exacting political revenge, not about justice.

If for the sake of peace, militias who have committed egregious war crimes and crimes against humanity, participated in human trafficking and other serious offenses, are to be granted immunity, then innocent men and women must be granted full amnesty.

John Jones QC calls for closure of al-Hadba detention facility following torture video of Saadi.

Letter from John Jones QC to UNSMIL Regarding Torture of Saadi Gaddafi
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/letter-from-john-jones-qc-to-unsmil-regarding-torture-of-saadi-gaddafi/

(Copy of letter and link to video) https://vivalibya.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/page-1.jpg


John Jones, Q.C., Defense Lawyer for Saif Gaddafi, Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/john-jones-q-c-defense-lawyer-for-saif-gaddafi-dies-under-mysterious-circumstances/

Editorial Comment:

At the time of this posting, there has been no official mention of the passing of John Jones on either his Doughty Street Chambers profile or the ICC Defense Team twitter account @SGaddafi_ICCDEF.

He has demonstrated dedication and integrity as legal counsel for Saif Gaddafi and the Gaddafi family.

I am deeply saddened by this news.

French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, was commissioned by Aisha Gaddafi to represent her brother, Saif al-Islam, a political prisoner who has been detained in the city of Zintan since 2011.

Marcel Ceccaldi is Saif Gaddafi’s New Defense Lawyer
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2016/04/30/french-lawyer-assigned-to-saif-gaddafis-case-will-meet-him-in-zintan/

Ceccaldi’s previous cases included defense for Bashir Saleh, former President of the Libyan Jamahiriya and former Prime Minister, Baghdadi Mahmoudi. He fought Baghdadi Mahmoudi’s illegal extradition from Tunisia to the Libya dawn in Tripoli.

Ceccaldi hopes to convince the UN Security Council to cancel the arrest warrant issued against Saif al-Islam, which will invalidate the investigation carried out by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He will also seek the cancellation of the arrest warrant against Abdullah Senussi.

He plans to meet with Saif Gaddafi and notables of the city of Zintan and assist in mediation towards an authentic reconciliation between all conflicting parties.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

Interesting "chessboard" angelburst29! :)

Moscow urges political forces in Libya to organize work of national power bodies

http://tass.ru/en/politics/874165

MOSCOW, May 5. /TASS/. Moscow calls on the political forces in Libya to organize the work of the national bodies of power, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday after a meeting of the Russian president's special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Martin Kobler.

"There was a detailed exchange of views on the situation in Libya with emphasis on various aspects of the implementation of the intra-Libyan political agreement, including the establishment of a national accord government in Libya," the ministry said. "In this context the sides stressed the importance of implementing the UN Security Council resolution formalizing the Skhirat agreements as a key element of the internal Libyan conflict settlement."

The Russian side "confirmed the importance of consolidating the Libyan political forces with the aim of the establishment of security and law and order in the country, including the organization of effective counteraction to terrorist groups, as well as the creation of favorable conditions for the start of full-fledged work of the newly established Libyan national government agencies."

Libya has struggled to rebuild state institutions amid rising violence since the ouster and subsequent death of Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi in October 2011. The strength of rebel militias has increased - approximately 1,700 armed groups, including fighters loyal to the Islamic State - especially since the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012.

On March 30, 2016, the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) arrived in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. The group of Libyan lawmakers, led by Fayez al-Sarraj, had previously been based in Tunisia. On April 7, the rival Tripoli-based National Salvation government, or former the General National Congress (GNC), rejected the GNA’s transition, contradicting its earlier acceptance of the new government taking over.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

Interesting "chessboard" angelburst29! :)

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

Prime Minister David Cameron told the committee holding an inquiry into his 2011 Libyan campaign that he is too busy to answer questions before the panel.

'Too busy' Cameron won't show for Libya ‘sh*t-show’ war inquiry (Videos)
https://www.rt.com/uk/341824-cameron-libya-war-inquiry/

Despite being the driving force behind the war, which plunged Libya into its current chaos, Cameron said in his written response to the committee that the likes of Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond had already given a “good deal of evidence” to cover the issue.

A spokeswoman for the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, which asked Cameron in March if he would appear before the end of April, told the Press Association the panel would now press ahead with publication of its report into the war.

Prime ministers traditionally refuse to attend Commons Select Committee meetings, leaving them to governmental department heads instead.

US President Barack Obama recently claimed the PM had appeared “distracted” during the Libyan war, though the Atlantic magazine reported in March that Obama privately refers to the war as a “sh*t-show” of Cameron’s making.

Recent rumors that the UK could intervene in Libya again with a commitment of 1,000 troops have died down after widespread criticism.

Libya’s new UN-brokered unity government rejected the idea of accepting UK troops almost immediately upon arrival in the war-ravaged capital of Tripoli in mid-April. The new authority apparently felt it would look like a Western lackey if its power obviously derived from foreign military support.

Mattia Toaldo, a Libya specialist at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told the Times newspaper at the time that officials in the new administration are afraid of being seen as “foreign puppets” and hope “people in Europe will stop talking about this for a few weeks.”

Tory MP Crispin Blunt, chairman of the UK Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, has been an outspoken critic of both the original war and calls for further intervention.

On April 14, he rebuked the government for being “less than candid” about current UK Special Forces activity in Libya, saying it should come clean about its clandestine operations.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

ISIS captures 6 villages on the Libyan coast

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-6-villages-libyan-coast/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) is steadily gaining ground along the vast Libyan coast, capturing several villages from the pro-government forces near the port city of Sirte.

According to the latest statement released by ISIS’ official media wing on Telegram, the aforementioned terrorist group captured the villages of Al-Bughlah, Bu Najim, Zamzam, Al-Wushka, Buryat Al-Hassoun, and Buqrin after a violent battle on Friday.

ISIS is only 2 villages away from reaching the strategic port-city of Misrata after their recent gains along the Libyan coast.

If ISIS reaches Misrata, then the pro-government forces will be in serious trouble because the terrorist group will be within 150 km of the Libyan capital.

ISIS approaches Libyan capital after capturing Abugrein

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-approaches-libyan-capital-capturing-abugrein/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) is quickly approaching the city of Misrata in coastal Libya after capturing the village of Abugrein yesterday.

With Abugrein under their control, ISIS is now two villages away from reaching Misrata; this aforementioned city is only 160 km east of the Libyan capital.

Misrata is the third largest city in Libya and possesses one of the most important ports inside the country.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

Is a return to peace in Libya really worth it?

https://www.rt.com/op-edge/342522-libya-us-uk-nato-mercenaries/

“We will achieve peace, even if we have to fight for it.” American President Dwight Eisenhower’s famous words continue to resonate to this day.

Wars are triggered for no apparent reason, leading to ensuing chaos that ultimately requires peace to be restored, which in a tragi-comical way needs to be fought for.

If Iraq hadn't provided enough proof of this schizophrenic approach to war and peace, Libya would confirm it. Once Africa's most prosperous nation, Libya since the overthrow of Gaddafi at the hands of a NATO operation, has become a failed state.

In light of regional conflicts that have worsened since the Arab Spring of 2011, terrorists and human traffickers from across the globe are using its lawlessness to settle and thrive in what was once a secure and wholly stable nation.

And so the Western countries, led by Britain, have decided that in order to restore peace to the once peaceful nation, troops would have to be sent in.

The reality however is while wars are a hugely profitable affair, public opinion recoils at the idea of young men and women sent to fight in far-away lands for reasons difficult to justify and which inevitably means some returning in body bags.

The solution has therefore been in the far more palatable alternative: Mercenaries fished out of impoverished countries and sent to fight for minimal salaries. Should they be killed, the news will not be relegated back to Britain and the US and every party involved in the business of war will have benefited.

As part of the basic doctrine of supply and demand, Western powers are now creating the chaos for which they then supply the remedy.

Last month, a Danish documentary film maker revealed the use of African former child soldiers used by one notable 'security firm' chaired by British establishment grandee Nicholas Soames.

Soames is a conservative MP and former defense minister, he's also chairman of successful private security contractor Aegis.

Aegis' security staff have been present in numerous war zones including Afghanistan and Iraq and it was recently revealed that due to increasing costs the firm has resorted to former African child soldiers who were paid as little as £10 a day.

This startling revelation made by a British army officer points to the lack of principles associated to the security sector. African soldiers are perfect for these firms and the government that appoints them. They are cheaper to employ and their deaths will barely stir up negative emotions in the countries orchestrating the conflicts.

But what legal framework do these firms operate in? A national army is made up of professional soldiers signed up to the Geneva Convention. There are clear guidelines for these fighters to follow, should they fail in their mission they can expect to be court-martialed and even imprisoned. That is not the case for private security officers who operate under their own rules making them lethal killing machines with very little, if no, accountability to any order, not even their paymasters. Libya, now thrust into a vicious internecine conflict in which various outside elements have joined, is appealing via some of its 'official' representatives for help from those nations responsible for its initial destruction.

While there is little appetite for British 'squaddies' to be sent to their possible deaths in North Africa, mercenaries gathered from across third world countries are acceptable alternatives. As Britain conducts low key discussions with possible Libyan partners, security firms are waiting gleefully for the opportunity of making considerable amounts of money on the back of such chaos.

The question to be asked is about a conflict of interest. How can firms that are chaired or led by former or active government officials, who get to vote in favor of war, can then go on to profit monetarily from these conflicts.

The reality of course is that very few people are asking these questions, and since the dead won't be British, American or French, then the public will simply not be curious. British Afghan war veteran Joe Glenton recognized the “imperialist” approach to conflicts in Africa, Asia or the Middle East adding that “as long as those dying were in fact locals, very few people will look to take their governments or political leaders to task.”

The failure of African leaders to also object to the exploitation of vulnerable young men who'd suffered the traumas of war as children, and is now used to further the cause of war outside the continent, remains a stain on regional leaderships. In the absence of any form of debate, it appears that these security firms have healthy days ahead of them, and are in fact the driving force behind warmongering.

It's worth remembering that among the 'priority' missions for British troops entering Libya is securing oil wells whose production has been interrupted as a result of ongoing war.

While scores of Libyans are without water or electricity, and criminal gangs are holding entire cities to ransom, Britain's first call is to ensure oil output returns to some normality.

As the Arab saying goes 'pay him from his own purse', mercenaries sent out to Libya to restore some order will be paid from the Libyan treasury. In the absence of a fully functioning ministry administering the country's overall costs, expenses will therefore be taken at the source where oil revenue will be used to cover security firms' fees.

At this point it has not yet been revealed which firms will be working in Libya. Given the highly controversial nature of employing mercenaries these contracts are usually negotiated in total secrecy.

Firms such as Aegis will only boast of their presence in certain areas when their operations have been fully set up and working for several months if not years.

Libya for its part will not return to any form of peace in the foreseeable future regardless of who actually does the fighting.

Should British troops or mercenaries achieve significant results against various terror groups including the notorious ISIS, it remains unclear under whose authority the troubled nation would come under.

Ultimately that implies that an oil rich nation in constant turmoil is far more profitable in its current state than should it return to stability. A stable Libyan government will organize a professional army, regain control of towns and institutions and devote its resources to nation building.

A chaotic war torn country will provide work opportunities for countless security firms and corrupt politicians guaranteed a hefty pay check from the almost limitless hydrocarbon sector.

If I were a British politician with connections to the security sector, I know which option I'd go for.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

The ISIL which has seized a large amount of Sarin gas from the Libyan army's weapons caché may use them in battle against the governmental forces in the Northern city of Sirte, a senior commander warned.

Libyan Commander Concerned about ISIL Use of Sarin Gas in Sirte
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950222001035

"The terrorists had earlier delivered a large amount of Sarin gas to Sirte after gaining control over the Libyan army's arms caché," Mohammad al-Majzoub, a Libyan army commander, told FNA on Wednesday.

He said that the Libyan army has taken the necessary measures to counter the ISIL possible chemical attacks, and reminded that the terrorists had earlier smuggled Libya's chemical weapons to Syria via Turkey.

Elsewhere, Majzoub pointed to Britain's attempts to prevent the Libyan nation's campaign against the ISIL and said, "The claims by officials in London about training the militias affiliated to the former Libyan army to fight against the ISIL terrorists are all lies."

While most of the talk in Libya lately has been on efforts to expel ISIL from the oil shipping city of Sirte, or the prospect of western invasion to attack ISIL, the group is expanding well in its own right, capturing several villages along the coast between Sirte and Misrata.

During the anti-Gadhafi rebellion, the Misrata militia was the largest, most influential militia in western Libya. It remained an influential faction, and is one of the driving forces behind the Tripoli-based parliament, one of three extent “governments” in Libya, and the only one not backed by the UN.

The Abu Grein crossroads links two of the main roads in Libya, the Libyan Coastal Highway and the Fezzan Road. In addition to linking Misrata and Sirte on the coastal highway, the Fezzan Road would give whoever controls the crossroads access to a Southern route to Sabha.

Middle East conflicts account for more than half of the 8.6 million people displaced by fighting in 2015, as the total number of internally displaced people has jumped to a record high, a new report showed.

Report: Wars Internally Displaced Record 40.8 Million People
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950222000317

The number of internally displaced people rose to a record 40.8 million people in 2015, according to a joint report released Wednesday by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, Deutsche Welle reported.

"This is the highest figure ever recorded, and twice the number of refugees worldwide," said Jan Egeland, the NRC's secretary general.

There were 8.6 million people newly displaced within borders last year, nearly half from conflict zones in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, the report said.

"As the world's attention focused on the flow of refugees out of the region, millions were displaced internally in the Middle East, more than in the rest of the world combined," said Carsten Hansen, NRC's regional director in the Middle East.

The number of internally displaced in Syria and Iraq increased by 1.3 and 1.1 million, respectively, adding to the millions already forced from their homes in those long running conflicts.

Yemen was hit the worst, with "a staggering 2.2 million forced to flee their homes as a result of the Saudi-led airstrikes." Saudi Arabia and allied Persian Gulf states launched a military operation and economic blockade against popular forces in Yemen last year, creating a humanitarian disaster.

More than 1 million refugees who reached Europe last year were just the tip of the iceberg of global displacement, which internally can simmer for years before bursting beyond borders.

"While richer, stable countries have been scheming to keep asylum seekers out of their borders and deny them protection, millions remain trapped in their own countries with death staring them just around the corner," Hansen said.

Five countries, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, South Sudan and Sudan, have been in the top 10 countries with displaced for more than a decade.

"This is further evidence that in the absence of the help displaced people need, displacement tends to drag on for years and even decades," said IDMC Director Alexandra Bilak.

The report also said natural disasters had created 19.2 million internally displaced people last year, led by India, China and Nepal.



‘Presidential Guard’ Place Extremist Militias in Power to Destroy the Libyan National Army
https://jamahiriyanewsagency.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/presidential-guard-place-extremist-militias-in-power-to-destroy-the-libyan-national-army/

The head of Libya’s Presidential Council announced the formation of a “presidential guard” which observers warn will lead to an open confrontation between the presidential council and the Libyan National Army.

These steps are part of a plan aimed at the liquidation of Libyan Army “forces loyal to the House of Representatives” that serve under the leadership of Khalifa Haftar. The severity of escalating disagreements have accelerated pace since the announcement of the battle to liberate the city of Sirte and will have irrevocable political consequences. It is Muslim Brotherhood strategy to form a national guard in alliance with Turkey and Qatar, effectively replacing the legitimate Libyan National Army.

Prior to Sarraj’s arrival in Tunisia Tuesday, the Presidential Council, announced the formation of a presidential guard that will “enjoy financial and administrative independence,” follow orders from the Supreme Commander of the army, tasked with “securing the presidential headquarters, guarding members of the Presidential Council and senior visitors, securing and guarding vital land, sea and air ports of entry. The decision stipulated that the new presidential guard, headquartered in Tripoli, will be led by an officer not below the rank of colonel, and consist of select members of the ‘army and police’.

Although this decision was allegedly based on the political agreement signed in the Moroccan city of Skhirat on December 17, 2015, Libyan political activist Kamal Mrash, did not hesitate to criticize the move, warning of dire political consequences. He said the decision “violates the Skhirat Convention, which explicitly refers to the dismantling of militias and their removal from Tripoli and other Libyan cities.” He said that the OS abused this agreement to serve their own agenda and the interests and schemes of the Qatari Turkish axis. The Libyan National Army is a stumbling block to the fulfillment of their agenda.”

Kamal Mrash described the project behind the formation of the Presidential Guard as the “New Old”. Changing a name does not hide the fact that militias which should have been dismantled are the “new” Presidential Guard and that they will not fulfill the tasks that would have been completed by the Libyan National Army – protecting borders, protecting vital land, air and marine facilities and ports.

We refer back to the meeting held in Istanbul under the auspices of Turkish intelligence, attended by a number of militia leaders, including Abdul Rauf “attribution battalion”, Abdul Ghani Alkkla, “junta chief Abu Salim” and Khaled al-Sharif,” the Libyan Islamic fighting group, “and other military leaders from Ahalboss battalion, brigade-Mahjoub internalized within the dawn of Libya militias in the capital Tripoli.

Khaled al-Sharif introduced this project during that meeting, pointing out that the “National Guard” will consist initially of 10 thousand members from extremist militias, assigned to secure the capital and its suburbs in order to facilitate the work of the national reconciliation government headed by Fayez. Those militias have been under the protection of the Presidential Council since their arrival at the Tripoli naval base at the end of March.

The gravity and scope of this move must be understood. It will grant extremist militias “legitimacy” and the opportunity to consolidate their domination of Tripoli and destroy the Libyan National Army.

Observers agree that the announcement of the timing of this decision delivers consecutive messages; the escalation of the pace of open confrontation between the presidential council and leadership of the army that will govern the subsequent political tracks in Libya – and targeting the Libyan army to besiege its role in the country, which in turn derives its legitimacy from the internationally recognized parliament in Tobruk, which did not give a vote of confidence to the government of reconciliation.

Another plan drawn by the leaders of these militias, synchronized with the destruction of the Libyan army command, was to carry out a campaign of assassinations, targeting officers in Tripoli.

This is a defining moment marking an overt, “strategic shift” on the Libyan chessboard – a coup d’etat.

Foreign interests, particularly those of the regional players, Turkey and Qatar, used their instrument, the OS, to usurp power and take control of the High Council of State, with the aid of the principle presidential council board members, Ahmed Maiteeq, Mohamed Ammari and Abdulsalam Kjman, along with their ally Abdul Rahman Swehli.

The Tripoli Court of Appeals postponed Saadi Gaddafi’s hearing to May 25.

Tripoli Court of Appeals Postpones Saadi Gaddafi’s Hearing to May 25
https://vivalibya.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/tripoli-court-of-appeals-postpones-saadi-gaddafis-hearing-to-may-25/

As I stated on April 12, The Al Hadba prison and Court are in the midst of a transfer of power from the militias that support the deposed GNC to the new, yet illegitimate “government of accord”. It is legally impossible for any trials to proceed. Add to this the fact that the GNC (and the Tripoli Judiciary) were never acknowledged as legitimate either within Libya or within the international milieu.

Given that the prisoners held at Al Hadba have been tortured, subjected to inhumane treatment, denied choice of legal counsel, denied private consultations with their defense team, their legal counsel unable to obtain vital documents or attend most sessions due to ongoing fighting in Tripoli, and that many of the prisoners were extradited for bribe money, these mock tribunals must cease and all prisoners be released. Without exception, the trials are about exacting political revenge, not about justice.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

Daesh Car Bomb Attack Near Libyan Misrata Kills 4, Injures 8

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160512/1039520755/daesh-libya-misrata.html

A Daesh car bomb attack 55 miles outside the Libyan town of Misrata left at least four dead and eight injured on Thursday, local media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The attack took place at Sadada checkpoint, on territory controlled by the UN-backed unity government, as reported by Libyan news website Alwassat.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

Libya has been in a state of civil war since May 2014. The United Nations helped to bring about a cease-fire in late 2015 and on March 31 the UN-backed "Unity Government" took office in Tripoli. As of late April 2016, Daesh has been in control of a long strip of Libya's Mediterranean coastline.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

ISIS approaches Libyan capital after capturing Abugrein

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-approaches-libyan-capital-capturing-abugrein/

ISIS advances towards strategic coastal city in Libya

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-advances-towards-strategic-coastal-city-libya/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) launched a new offensive in northern Libya on Thursday, targeting the remaining villages along the main road to the coastal city of Mistrata.

ISIS began their assault from the recently captured town of Abugrein, where they launched a VBIED (vehicle borne improvised explosive device) towards the Libyan forces’ front-line positions.

The VBIED did not reach its intended destination; however, this did not stop the ISIS terrorists as they attempted to push west towards Misrata.

According to local reports, ISIS was repelled on Thursday evening after suffering heavy casualties.

Despite this failed assault on Thursday, ISIS appears poised to reach the coastal city of Mistrata, which is less than 150 km west of the Libyan capital.

US boots take position in Libya ahead of ISIL battle

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/05/13/465353/US-deploys-troops-Libya-

The United States has reportedly stationed some two dozen special operations troops to Libya prior to a possible military campaign against Daesh (ISIL) terrorists in the North African state.

According to the Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the American troops have been positioned at two outposts in Libya since late last year.

The force is operating around the cities of Misrata and Benghazi to find potential allies and monitor possible threats, the Post said.

The United States is already engaged in anti-ISIL campaigns in Iraq and Syria. Washington has been criticized for its ineffective campaign against Daesh.

Last month, the US military said it had deployed spy drones to Libya where the Pentagon’s latest shift over Daesh would reportedly see added air fire against militants there.

The US has conducted two airstrikes in Libya in recent months targeting purported Daesh militants and commanders.

Back in January, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said the United States was considering possible “military options” against the growing presence of Daesh in Libya.

The Takfiri terrorist group’s “metastasis” from Syria and Iraq to Libya and its increasing influence in the North African country is a "significant concern," noted Cook, adding, "We're looking at military options, a range of other options as... the situation in Libya unfolds."

Libya has been grappling with violence and political uncertainty since the oil-rich country’s former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, was deposed and later killed in 2011.

The terrorists have exploited the chaos in Libya and seized parts of Sirte, a city on the country’s Mediterranean coast. They have also been launching attacks on oil facilities along the country’s coast.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

Adding to the details about the US deployment of special forces into Libya to prepare for a ground invasion of the country, officials today revealed that two “military outposts” have been established in the country since late 2015, each containing “fewer than 25” troops.

Information Released, Two Military Bases Established As U.S. Fascist Forces Prepare Ground Invasion Of Libya
http://novorossia.today/118840-2/

Details are scant, but the bases are said to be located near Misrata and Benghazi, respectively. It is noteworthy that neither of these areas are under the control of either of the UN-backed governments, though Misrata is largely aligned with the Tripoli parliament, a third government that the UN doesn’t recognize.

Benghazi, by contrast, is mostly under the control of an Islamist Shura Council which expelled ISIS and other foreign Islamist groups. The city is intermittently attacked by forces allied with the Tobruk parliament, but so far without much progress.

Neither base is particularly close to ISIS-controlled territory in Libya, which is centered around the city of Sirte. The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that there are an unspecified number of troops in Libya, and that they are trying to make contact with “potential allies” in the country.

In practice, the US and other Western nations have shown eagerness to ally with the new “unity government,” though the government controls no territory, has no real military forces of its own, and its value seems to be limited to giving the imprimatur to a Western invasion.

The Russian foreign minister discussed the situation in Libya with his Italian counterpart

Russian, Italian Foreign Ministers Hold Phone Talk on Libya
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160513/1039553361/phone-talk-ministers.html

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni held a phone talk Friday, discussing bilateral and international matters, including the situation in Libya, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The two countries' foreign ministers discussed some issues on the Russian-Italian agenda. They also touched upon current international issues, particularly the situation in Libya and upcoming multilateral contacts to promote settlement among the Libyan parties," the ministry said in a statement.

The phone talk was initiated by the Italian side.

Libya’s Government of National Accord will try to secure general support, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg.

Libyan Unity Government Hopes to Secure General Support, Avoid Bloodshed
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160509/1039300998/libya-unity-government-support.html

Libya’s Government of National Accord will make every effort to secure general support after having successfully avoided bloodshed on its arrival in Tripoli, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg told Sputnik.

In March, the ministers of the UN-backed Presidential Council sailed into the Libyan capital from Tunisia, after the Tripoli-based Islamist-dominated General National Congress (GNC) agreed with the exiled parliament in Tobruk to form a unity government last December.

"We are continuing talks with all forces so that a parliament meeting should be called to express its confidence in the government," Maiteeg said. "We did not want clashes with any militant groups so we waited several months before going to Tripoli with a Libyan Navy convoy. We managed to avoid bloodshed."

The 2011 Arab Spring uprising created a political and security vacuum in Libya that was largely filled by Islamist militants. Members of the GNC, which controlled some of the armed formations, have joined the government’s advisory body, leaving militants unchecked.

Ahmed Maiteeq, vice chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, said that Libya and Russia have historically strong ties, because the the majority of Libya's officers have studied in Russia.

Libyan Government Calls for Russian Anti-Terror Role in Country
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160509/1039297787/libya-russia-ties.html

The Presidential Council of Libya, which is the name of country's national unity government, calls for Russia's contribution to the struggle against terrorists in the African nation, Ahmed Maiteeq, the council's vice chairman, told Sputnik Monday.

The United Nations brokered the creation of a new national unity government in the war-torn country earlier this year, after the overthrow of Libya’s leader Muammar Gaddafi had plummeted it into chaos five years ago.

"We have historically strong ties, the majority of Libya's officers have studied in Russia. That's why we always call for Russia's role in the struggle against terrorism in Libya and the creation of strong army," Maiteeq said.

He added that the council welcomed any international help in country's struggle against terrorism.

Russia is against the position of some EU states on military intervention in Libya.

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160420/1038345395/minister-solution-military.html

Russia is against the position of some EU states, in particular the United Kingdom, on military intervention to help settle the Libyan conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

"We are against some our partners' line, but they, in particular the Europeans, have already been openly discussing this, I heard there are such discussions in Britain that it is not worth waiting for all Libyan sides to join the Skhirat accords, that there is a [Fayez] Sarraj government and this government should invite foreign assistants as military advisers, special forces soldiers and in general armed contingents in order to help the fight against terrorism," Lavrov said after talks with African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Any foreign involvement in Libya's internal affairs can only be possible and legitimate in the event of consensus between all countries' political forces and with the approval of the UN Security Council, Lavrov added.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

Arms may be supplied to Libyan Guards bypassing UN arms embargo — source

http://tass.ru/en/world/875879

The source added that several delegations are ready to supply weapons and provide necessary training to the presidential guards and reliable forces under common command

VIENNA, May 16. /TASS/. Participants in the Vienna conference on Libya may support supplying arms to newly-created presidential guards bypassing the current arms embargo, a source in one of the Western delegations at the talks told TASS on Monday.

Other restrictive measure imposed by the United Nations Organization will remain in place "in order to prevent the forces not controlled by the guards from obtaining arms."

The source added that several delegations are ready to supply weapons and provide necessary training to the presidential guards and reliable forces under common command.

Another source participating in preparing a final statement after the conference told TASS earlier today that disagreements on separate issues remain between parties in the Vienna meeting. He also noted that there is no confidence yet in coordinating the final text of the statement.

The government of national accord now based in Tripoli was established on February 14, 2016 with the support of the international community in the Moroccan city of Skhirat. The creation of the government and also the presidential council during the transition period to be followed by parliamentary elections is envisaged by an agreement signed in Skhirat in mid-December 2015 and approved by the UN Security Council resolution.

Meanwhile, the internationally recognized "eastern" cabinet led by Abdullah al-Thani in Tobruk and also the self-proclaimed cabinet of ministers of Khalifa al-Ghawi supported by the General National Congress continue operating in Libya. A part of the country is under control of radical Islamists including the Islamic State terrorist group outlawed in Russia.

Libya asks to lift arms embargo off Government of National Accord

http://tass.ru/en/world/875984

VIENNA, May 16. /TASS/. Libya has asked the international community to lift weapons embargo off the Government of National Accord, Prime Minister Fayez Saraj said on Monday.

"We have asked the international community to lift the weapons embargo," he said.

Participants in conference on Libya ready to supply weapons on Tripoli’s request

http://tass.ru/en/world/875969

The participants in the conference also say they are ready to resume work of their diplomatic missions in Tripoli soon if the Government of National Accord ensures their security

VIENNA, May 16. /TASS/. The participants in the Vienna conference on Libya say they are ready to supply the Government of National Accord in Tripoli with weapons bypassing the current UN arms embargo, according to the communique obtained by TASS on Monday.

"The Government of National Accord (GNC) has voiced its intention to submit appropriate arms embargo exemption requests to the UN Libya Sanctions Committee to procure necessary lethal arms and materiel to counter UN-designated terrorist groups and to combat Daesh (Islamic State terrorist organization banned in Russia) throughout the country," said the communique. "We will fully support these efforts while continuing to reinforce the UN arms embargo."

The countries also stress that GNC is the only legitimate government in Libya and call on all economic institutions of the country to work under the auspices of the Government of National Accord.

The participants in the conference also say they are ready to resume work of their diplomatic missions in Tripoli soon if GNC ensures their security.

Libya’s Legitimate Gov’t Limited Until Conflicting Sides Reach Agreement

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160516/1039691024/libya-gna-germany-un.html

Parties to conflict in Libya should reach in agreement before the UN wll act, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a ministerial conference on Libya in Vienna on Monday.

VIENNA (Sputnik) – The UN-backed Libyan government’s activities will remain limited until the conflicted sides come to an agreement, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a ministerial conference on Libya in Vienna on Monday.

"This government has started working. But, of course, this government’s possibilities will be limited as long as the internal conflict and competition between the two rival forces remains," Steinmeier told reporters.

The German diplomat noted that the meeting’s results will outline "whether Libya will remain a country where terrorism, instability and crime will continue to spread, or whether we will succeed with the Government of National Accord in restoring stability in Libya."

The Government of National Accord began performing its duties on March 31 with Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj at the helm, despite continued subversion by the rival unrecognized government.

US State Secretary John Kerry and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni are the co-chairs of the meeting on Libya in the Austrian capital.

Prime Minister of Libya Al-Sarraj: Presidential Guard will not substitute for the army

http://ria.ru/world/20160516/1434415865.html

CAIRO, May 16 -. RIA Novosti Prime Minister of Libya, Fayez al-Sarraj said Monday that the government decided to establish a presidential guard for the protection of members of the Presidential Council, the Guard will not replace the army, reports Sputnik .

Earlier it was reported that the Libyan government of national accord announced the establishment of the Presidential Guard, which is responsible for the protection of government and public buildings, border posts, as well as the protection of particularly important government officials and foreign delegations.

"We have created a presidential guard for the protection of members of the board, it is not a substitute for the army," - said al-Sarraj told reporters.

"We have established a joint operational items, which will lead the fight against terrorism, we urge the international community to help us with training and equipment," - Prime Minister added.

In Libya, March 31 started to work the new government of national concord country headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. The government hopes to restore the integrity of the country, which since the overthrow in 2011 of Muammar Gaddafi's regime was on the verge of collapse. Some areas of Libya still captured militants linked to a terrorist group "Islamic State."

Libyan-Tunisian border reopened for commerce

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/libyan-tunisian-border-reopened-commerce/

The Ras Al-Jdir border-crossing along the Tunis-Tripoli Highway has been reopened by the Tunisian government after being closed for several months due to security concerns near the city of Ben Guardane.

The Tunisian government is reopening this border-crossing in order to promote commerce between their citizens and Libya.

In the past, the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) and their affiliates have caused trouble along the Libyan-Tunisian border; however, the Tunisian security forces have quelled the terrorist uprising.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

Libya asks to lift arms embargo off Government of National Accord

http://tass.ru/en/world/875984

VIENNA, May 16. /TASS/. Libya has asked the international community to lift weapons embargo off the Government of National Accord, Prime Minister Fayez Saraj said on Monday.

"We have asked the international community to lift the weapons embargo," he said.

State Department: US did not receive requests from the Libyan government on arms

http://ria.ru/world/20160516/1434455943.html

WASHINGTON, May 16 -. RIA Novosti, Alexei Bogdanovsky US is ready, if necessary, continue to air strikes in Libya by the militants of the terrorist group IG (banned in Russia), said a spokesman for the White House Josh Ernest.

"The United States have already taken strikes against targets in Libya IG, and when it is necessary to apply additional strikes to protect Americans, will not hesitate to do it," - said Ernest.

"The president has already issued orders for attacks on military targets in Libya, IG, and it is still possible to do this action, but this is not a substitute for building capacity of the central government to ensure security of the country and fought with the IG.", - He added.

Ernest commented on the decision more than 20 countries partly withdraw from the official Tripoli arms embargo. According to the Secretary of State, John Kerry, in the arms embargo exceptions will be made, including the arms, which is necessary to deal with LIH and other terrorist groups.

Ernest called the lifting of the embargo sign that the international community supports the new government of Libya.

In Libya, March 31 started to work the new government of national concord country headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. The government hopes to restore the integrity of the country, which since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime was on the verge of collapse. Some areas of Libya still captured militants linked to a terrorist group "Islamic State."

Ambassador: Russia will consider the supply of weapons to Libya only after the lifting of the embargo

http://ria.ru/world/20160516/1434479387.html

MOSCOW, May 16 -. RIA Novosti Russia is ready to consider supplying arms to the Libyan government only if the UN Security Council will decide on the full or partial removal of the arms embargo, is to say that it will happen in the near future soon, he told RIA News Russian ambassador to Libya Ivan Molotkov, who took part in today's meeting on Libya in Vienna.

In Vienna on Monday hosted an international meeting of representatives of the Foreign Ministry more than 20 countries on Libya. About the agreement partly withdraw from the official Tripoli arms embargo, in force since 2011, he told reporters Secretary of State John Kerry. According to him, in the arms embargo exceptions will be made, including the arms, which is necessary to deal with LIH (organization banned in Russia) and other terrorist groups.

"The issue (of withdrawal of the arms embargo - Ed.) Was raised. To say that the embargo will be lifted soon prematurely. This matter falls within the competence of the Security Council of the UN and will be considered in the light of a number of criteria and conditions," - said the diplomat phone.

"The question is solved in the UN Security Council, and if Russia will support, even if not complete, but a partial easing of the embargo, it means also that we will be ready and move on to the question of the supply to Libya of arms. But it is only after Council security will take the corresponding resolution, "- said the hammer.

The Pentagon has not commented on a possible extension of the US presence in Libya

http://ria.ru/world/20160516/1434517862.html

WASHINGTON, May 16 -. RIA Novosti US Department of Defense has not commented on the possible involvement of US troops in the fight against terrorists in Libya and help local security forces.

"I would not want to get ahead of ourselves Until we have there (in Libya - Ed.). There is a small group (military - Ed.), Which studies the situation on the ground, watching what was going on, gather information," - spokesman Pentagon Peter Cook.

Earlier Monday, the White House said that will continue to cause air strikes on terrorists in Libya.

In Vienna on Monday hosted an international meeting of representatives of the Foreign Ministry more than 20 countries on Libya. About the agreement partly withdraw from the official Tripoli arms embargo, in force since 2011, he told reporters Secretary of State John Kerry. According to him, in the arms embargo exceptions will be made, including the arms, which is necessary for the fight against "Islamic state" (an organization banned in Russia) and other terrorist groups.

The State Department also reported that the US is ready to consider a request the Libyan authorities, but so far no request is received.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Re: Libya

ISIS approaches Libyan capital after capturing Abugrein

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-approaches-libyan-capital-capturing-abugrein/

ISIS advances towards strategic coastal city in Libya

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-advances-towards-strategic-coastal-city-libya/

ISIS advancing towards strategic Libyan city

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-advancing-towards-strategic-libyan-city/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) launched a VBIED (vehicle borne improvised explosive device) attack at a government checkpoint inside the village of Abu Qurein on Monday, as the aforementioned terrorist group continues its offensive along the Libyan coast.

With their latest assault on Abu Qurein, ISIS is now within 100 km of Misrata, which was considered the third most densely populated city in Libya before the war.

If ISIS were to reach Misrata; this could spell disaster for the government forces, as the terrorist group would be within 60 km of Al-Khoms City and 100 km east of the Libyan capital.

Libya asks to lift arms embargo off Government of National Accord

http://tass.ru/en/world/875984

Lifting embargo possible after peace settled in Libya— foreign ministry

http://tass.ru/en/world/876033

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov says the issue of lifting an arms embargo from Libya can be discussed only after political processes inside the country are completed

VIENNA, May 16./TASS/. The issue of lifting an arms embargo from Libya can be discussed only after political processes inside the country are completed, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters on Monday.

"The issue can be discussed only after an agreement is reached among all forces that participate in this process," he said.

For this, it is necessary that "the Government of National Accord receives an approval from the national assembly to see efficient state institutions formed," he said.

Earlier on Monday, countries participants in the conference on Libya voiced their readiness to supply weapons to the presidential guard forces set up recently by the Government of National Accord as an attempt to reform law-enforcement services. However, they said restrictive measures of the United Nations should stay in place not to see weapons getting into the hands of the forces that are not under the GNA control.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Libya

Britain To Send In More Troops To Libya, Despite Denying Any Plans For Ground War
http://novorossia.today/britain-send-troops-libya/

New reports out of Britain suggest the nation is preparing to send more ground troops into Libya this week, with estimations that the latest group will be about 50 troops. Britain has been slowly adding troops to Libya in recent months, despite publicly denying any plans for a ground war in the country.

All-told, Britain is planning to deploy around 1,000 ground troops into Libya to take part in a Libya-led invasion. Officials say this will be a “training” force, though they have also conceded that only a fraction would be trainers. Earlier this month, some British and Italian special forces were ambushed by ISIS inside Libya, with a number of Italian troops killed or wounded in the incident. Few official details have been offered, however, as the deployment is largely still secret. British warplanes are said to have carried out communications interference over the major ISIS city in Libya, the city of Sirte. Officials said ISIS was “very angry” after this move.