- Title: Libya's PM, eastern commander commit to ceasefire at France talks
- Date: 25th July 2017
- Summary: LA CELLE-SAINT-CLOUD, FRANCE (JULY 25, 2017) (AGENCY POOL) **** WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY **** FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, LIBYAN PRIME MINISTER, FAYEZ AL-SERRAJ, AND MILITARY COMMANDER IN EASTERN REGION, KHALIFA HAFTAR, ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE VARIOUS OF MACRON, SERRAJ AND HAFTAR LISTENING AS JOINT DECLARATION IS READ OUT MACRON, SERRAJ AND HAFTAR SHAKING HANDS, CONGRATULATING EACH OTHER MACRON TALKING TO JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING: "During this meeting, you (the parties) promised to end military combat -- apart, of course, from combating terrorist organisations -- and so what's put into action in the declaration which has just been read out is a ceasefire process, clearly essential if any progress is to be made, an agreement to move towards elections in the spring, of course within the framework of the Skhirat agreement, and the preparation for an inclusive political reconciliation which aims to make room for all political groups." SERRAJ AND HAFTAR LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING: "I believe profoundly that civil war is not inevitable, and that through dialogue peace can win through, that's what the step taken today is trying to show through concrete actions, for which I would like to thank you." MACRON ADDRESSING JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING: "Today President Serraj and General Haftar could become symbols of national unity, and a commitment to reconciliation and peace. I would like to say solemnly that the courage you've shown today, through your presence and this joint declaration, is historic." PHOTOGRAPHER LEADERS CONGRATULATING EACH OTHER AFTER NEWS CONFERENCE
- Embargoed: 8th August 2017 18:23
- Keywords: Libya talks France Macron Libya al-Serraj Haftar Libya Libya ceasefire France ceasefire talks
- Location: LA CELLE-SAINT-CLOUD, FRANCE
- City: LA CELLE-SAINT-CLOUD, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0016R7VPZB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Libya's Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and the divided country's eastern commander Khalifa Haftar on Tuesday (July 25) committed to a conditional ceasefire and to elections in a joint declaration after talks near Paris.
The rival leaders said after talks hosted by new French President Emmanuel Macron that they committed to a ceasefire and to refrain from any use of armed force for any purpose other than counter-terrorism.
"I believe profoundly that civil war is not inevitable, and that through dialogue peace can win through, that's what the step taken today is trying to show through concrete actions," Macron said after the declaration.
The oil-producing country has been mired in chaos and fighting since rebels toppled strongman Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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