VATICAN, JANUARY 21, 2020 (CISA)-Pope Francis has expressed heartfelt wishes that the January 19 Peace conference in Berlin towards peace in Libya will help end the violence and turmoil caused by the long-standing civil war in the country.
The Pope was speaking on Sunday, January 19 during his Angelus address at St Peter’s square.
“Today, a conference is held in Berlin to discuss the crisis in Libya…I sincerely hope that this summit, which is so important, will be the start of a path towards the ending of violence and a negotiated solution that leads to peace and the much-desired stability of the country,” he said.
Countries with interests in Libya’s long-running conflict agreed to provide no further military support to the warring parties while a ceasefire lasts.
The world leaders pledged to end foreign interference and work towards a “permanent ceasefire”.
The conference was the latest of many diplomatic attempts aimed at pushing Libya on a path to peace.
The peace meeting in Berlin was attended by Turkey, Russia, the UAE and Egypt, and included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Congo, Algeria, United Nations, African Union and United Nations.
Fayez al-Sarraj, who leads the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli, and his rival, renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar were also in attendance.
