No military solution to Libya: AU

Ending conflict in Libya can only be achieved through a political deal, Libyan and regional leaders said Wednesday after African Union-led talks.
“The only solution to bring an end to the current crisis in Libya is a political settlement,” Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Dayri said after meeting with the AU’s International Contact Group for Libya, ahead of a summit on Friday of the continent’s leaders in the 54-nation bloc.
The Contact Group, set up by the AU’s Peace and Security Council, includes regional nations – Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan and Tunisia – as well as the Arab League, European Union and United Nations.
“The situation in Libya cannot be resolved by force, but only by a political agreement between Libyans themselves,” said Jacob Enoh Eben, spokesperson for AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. “The AU is ready to support them in this goal.”
Libya has been wracked by conflict since the overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a 2011 uprising, with rival governments and powerful militias battling for control of key cities and the country’s vast oil riches.
“We are aware that many African nations have voiced their concerns at the increasingly deteriorating security situation in Libya,” Dayri told reporters after the meeting.
“We are aware of the spillover… this situation has represented for Mali, Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Egypt and Chad.”