Russia and the United States both stated on Thursday that they could not be able to support a resolution proposed by the United Nations security council (UNSC) to bring a ceasefire to Libya, as at this timeya, the Libyan capital, diplomats said.
Russia objected the UNSC draft resolution, blaming eastern Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan commander, for the recent attacks in Libya when the LNA (Libyan National Army), earlier this month, advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli, diplomats said.
Washington has provided no reasons for not supporting the draft resolution, which would call on nations, influenced over warring parties, to ensure unconditional humanitarian aid and compliances access in Libya, according to Reuters news reports.
Washington’s UN mission refused to comment over the matter and Moscow’s UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The UNSC resolution aimed at truce in Libya needs only nine votes in favour and no vetoes from China, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom (UK) – the five permanent members – to get passed.
During a closed-door body briefing by UN Libyan diplomat Ghassan Salame, the US and Russia made clear that they will veto the draft resolution.
This US move contrasted with its earlier opposition to Haftar’s offensive, which had begun during UN attorney-general Antonio Guterres official visit to Libya.
Some diplomats stated the US could take some more time to reconsider the draft resolution as President Donald Trump administration was into a discussion with Libyan government over how to deal with the country’s latest development.
A senior U.N. diplomat stated: “I think there is a range of views in Washington on the policy side and they haven’t reconciled them and they’re not entirely certain where the president is on it.”
The UNSC council has formally expressed concerns calling on all armed forces to de-escalate and cease their military actions, particularly the LNA.
In recent days, the council was unable to issue any additional formal statement, according to diplomats, as Moscow objected to LNA’s reference, while Washington said it couldn’t agree to a text which did not involve Haftar’s forces.