The US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, has said that those who say that they are concerned about the rise of Muslim extremism or the rise of militias in Tripoli and use this as a justification for the offensive on Tripoli miss the point that the offensive is having precisely the opposite effect.

Speaking to the London-based "The Arab Weekly" newspaper on Sunday, Norland stressed that suspending military operations in Libya, especially in Tripoli, is a key goal of US diplomacy.

"A political dialogue that produces a prosperous, peaceful Libya are among the main objectives of US policy in Libya," Norland stressed.

He also hinted that Washington is piling up pressure on external actors “whose role has sometimes helped to fuel the conflict," as he puts it.

"For them, a tougher approach is on the cards. It is time to name names,” Norland said.

Domestically, Norland indicated that his country was in contact with a variety of actors throughout Libya, aimed at suspending military operations, moving towards a lasting ceasefire, and launching a political process that will result in a stable political construct for Libya.