Warning that the expansion of the Islamic State in Libya “is progressing day by day”, the head of the United Nations mission, Martin Kobler, ruled out any foreign intervention unless requested by Libyans.
He was addressing a joint news conference with Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella during a stopover in Malta on his way to Brussels, where tomorrow he will be holding talks with EU foreign ministers.
In his comments, the UN envoy admitted that talks for a political solution in the neighbouring North African country were progressing at “a snail’s pace” but insisted that it was up to the Libyans to address the increasing security threat posed by the IS.
Asked if he would rule out foreign military intervention, Mr Kobler said that this should only be considered if the new unity government requested it.
He said that apart from the IS threat, Libya’s two other challenges were the dire humanitarian situation, as well as the economic one with oil production down to 350,000 barrels a day from 1.6 million before the 2011 uprising.
Mr Kobler said that some progress on the formation of a national unity government had been achieved, but this still lacked parliament’s authorisation.
“It...
