Libyan army halts military operations

The Libyan army has declared a halt to military operations “on all fronts,” local media said on Wednesday, two days after rival parliamentarians at a UN-sponsored meeting called for a ceasefire in the troubled country.

Military spokesperson Colonel Abu Zaid al-Mismari told the Al-Wasat news site that the army would halt operations and implement a ceasefire on all fronts.

The military however retained the right to respond to anyone firing on its forces or civilians, he said.

Al-Mismari said the decision was taken out of respect for the Islamic feast of Eid al-Adha, which starts within days, and in response to the parliamentarians’ ceasefire call.

The UN mission in Libya on Monday brought together members who have been attending the recently-convened House of Representatives, based in the eastern port town of Tobruk, with others who have been boycotting its sessions.

A UN statement after the talks said the lawmakers also agreed on confidence-building measures including addressing humanitarian needs and re-opening the country’s airports.

Further meetings are due to take place after Eid al-Adha.