The UN should also encourage the parties to return to the negotiating table by offering a new three-track negotiating format that addresses the warring sides’ core political, military and financial concerns. If outside actors are serious in their calls to stop a full-blown war, now is the time to act. LNA forces also appeared confident that their advance would not face significant resistance from their Tripoli-based adversaries and enjoyed the support of local residents. Currently, fighting is ongoing in and around the non-operational Tripoli International Airport, which they captured on April 6, as well as in neighborhoods on the capital’s southern outskirts. Meanwhile, Russia blocked a UK-initiated UN Security Council statement condemning Haftar’s military offensive, insisting it call on all sides to exercise restraint.

Source: Libya Today April 16, 2019 12:45 UTC