The US embassy said in a statement that senior American officials met separately with Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha and Khalifa Haftar in Rome on January 09 to reiterate to all Libyan parties the critical importance of forging a durable political solution to the crisis that would de-escalate military activity and chart a course towards a better future for all Libyans.

"The United States welcomes all genuine efforts to end this violence and achieve a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Libya." The statement said on Saturday.

It added that the US delegation encouraged both parties to heed calls for de-escalation and to seize this moment to return to intra-Libyan political talks, which can establish a common basis for progress on the issues that divide them.

"The United States stands ready to support UN-facilitated political dialogue and to reinforce concrete efforts to dismantle militias, achieve a just distribution of resources, and prevent extremist elements that seek to exploit Libya's transition from gaining political power." The statement reads.

It adds that the US officials voiced the Administration's serious concern about toxic foreign interference in the conflict and reaffirmed the United States' full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya.

"Attacks in recent days against Tripoli's Mitiga Airport and indiscriminate shelling of residential neighbourhoods in the capital are contributing to civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian emergency in Tripoli. All responsible Libyan parties should end this dangerous escalation and reject the destructive involvement by foreign forces." The statement explains.

The US delegation included Deputy National Security Advisor for Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Victoria Coates, Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Maghreb and Egyptian Affairs Henry Wooster.