ID :
307100
Sun, 11/17/2013 - 09:01
Auther :

Iran: Strengthening National Unity, Disarming Armed Groups Needed In Libya

Tehran, Nov 17, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed regret here Saturday evening over getting killed of a number of Libyans and stressed the need for strengthening national unity and solidarity, as well as disarming the armed and irresponsible groups there. Marziyeh Afkham expressed deep regret over the occurrence of the events in Libya during the course of the past weeks that led to getting killed and wounded of a large number of Libyans and sympathized with the victims’ bereaved family members. She meanwhile stressed the need for strengthening the Libyans’ national unity and disarming the irresponsible armed groups in order to restore peace and stability in the north African country. There has been renewed fighting between rival militias on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, a day after at least 43 people died in clashes. The latest violence in the suburb of Tajoura, involving local militiamen and fighters from Misrata, left one dead. Fridays clashes occurred after protesters marched on the headquarters of the Misrata militia to demand that it leave Tripoli, and were fired upon. The government is struggling to contain militias who control parts of Libya. On Saturday Prime Minister Ali Zeidan confirmed that fresh fighting had taken place in Tajoura. He urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint, adding: No forces from outside Tripoli should attempt to enter the city because the situation is very tense and could escalate further. Misrata is about 200km to the east of the capital. Our correspondent says armed groups halted the convoy, which retreated 15km (9 miles) away, but that live rounds were exchanged for some time afterward. Government-linked militias set up checkpoints across the capital amid tightened security for the funerals of many of those killed on Friday. Officials have updated the death toll from Fridays violence from 31 to 43. About 500 people were wounded./end

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