They have agreed to partially lift arms embargo to enable the unity government fight Islamic State (IS) group.
The United Nations backed unity government in Libya will soon receive arms from world powers to help the country fight militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. The United States of America Secretary of State, John Kerry speaking during a meeting of international partners in Vienna, Austria, said world powers would back Libya in seeking exemptions from a UN arms embargo, BBC reported. However, the requested arms embargo "exemption" for Libya will need to be approved by the UN Sanctions Committee before it comes into force.
Arguing in favour of the arms embargo exemption, John Kerry said the Islamic State group was a "new threat" to Libya and it was "imperative" it was stopped. "The Government of National Accord (GNA)] is the only entity that can unify the country. It is the only way to ensure that vital institutions... fall under representative and acknowledged authority. It is the only way to generate the cohesion necessary to defeat Daesh [IS]," Mr Kerry is quoted as saying.
Participating countries in the Vienna talks said in a joint statement that, "We look forward to partnering with the GNA and neighbouring countries to tackle the threat posed throughout the Mediterranean and on its land borders by criminal organisations engaged in all forms of smuggling and trafficking, including in human beings." They further promised in the statement that, "We are ready to respond to the Libyan government's requests for training and equipping the presidential guard and vetted forces from throughout Libya."
The Prime Minister of Libya’s unity government, Fayez Sarraj, warned major of challenges lay ahead, saying taking on the Islamic State (IS) terrorist would require further outside help. "We urge the international community to assist us," he said. He specified that, "We are not talking about international intervention, we are talking about international assistance in training, equipping our troops and training our youths."
