World powers hail retake of Libyan city from IS, urge dialogue

The governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain and the United States on Friday welcomed Libyan unity government action to retake Sirte from the Islamic State (IS) and restore stability and security in the north African state.

"We congratulate the Government of National Accord and the Libyan people on their successful operation to eject Daesh from Sirte and applaud the Libyan people's courage in confronting the scourge of Daesh and other terrorist organizations," they said in a common statement released by the Quai d'Orsay.

Reiterating full support to the unity government, world powers called on "all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and national reconciliation in order to tackle security, economic, and social emergencies."

"A secure environment" was necessary to ensure the safety of citizens by unified Libyan forces, they added.

"We call on all Libyan parties to engage meaningfully in continued political dialogue and support the Presidency Council as it charts a peaceful transition to national reconciliation and an elected and unified government that represents all Libyans," the statement added. Endit