The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has said that delegations from the GNA and Haftar have commenced negotiations in the 5+5 framework based upon the draft agreement of 23 February.
The mission said in a statement that it held two meetings through video conference, one on June 3 with representatives of Haftar and the other with a delegation from the GNA on June 9, noting that both meetings were fruitful.
The meetings were an opportunity for the mission to discuss with the two delegations the latest developments on the ground and to review their comments on the draft ceasefire agreement submitted by the UN mission, the statement read.
It also commended what it described as the seriousness and commitment both parties have shown towards the 5+5 dialogue path, calling for an end to the ongoing escalation to avoid further civilian casualties and to avoid new displacement.
The UN mission voiced concern about reports regarding escalation and mobilization of forces in and around the city of Sirte, indicating that between the 5th and 8th of June, the mission had verified the killing of at least 19 civilians, including three women and five children, and the injury of 12 others in three locations near Sirte, as a result of airstrikes and Grad rockets.
