Libyan national army announces ceasefire

The army of Libyan government announced on Sunday it would ceasefire in response to the recommendations of the UN-sponsored Geneva dialogue conference of last week.

"We announce a ceasefire starting from the midnight (2200 GMT) of Sunday, Jan. 18 in all land, sea, and air fronts." The army said in a statement.

However, the army said the ceasefire will exclude "operations to prosecute terrorists who do not recognize the right of Libyans to build a national state and do not recognize the democratic principles of this country."

"The army will continue reconnaissance operations to prevent changes of the situation in the fronts, as well as to prevent the transfer of arms, ammunition and individuals by land, sea or air to the fronts.

Such actions will be considered violation of the cease-fire and will be targeted immediately," the statement added.

The army confirmed to give its sectors "the right of self-defense if exposed to fire", pointing out that it considers the ceasefire "a valuable opportunity for the aggressor forces to withdraw into their regions."

On Wednesday, the second round of Libyan dialogue conference kicked off in Geneva, sponsored by UN Support Mission in Libya. The conference is aimed to resolve the political and security crisis of the country.

On Friday, Islamist militia coalition in Libya announced a cease-fire in the war-torn country.

Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of clashes since last summer when deadly clashes erupted between Islamist militants and pro-secular national army.

Since then, Libya suffers a political division with two rival governments and parliaments battling for legitimacy. Endit