Ambassadors of Western countries concerned about Libya's human rights violations

TRIPOLI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The ambassadors of major Western countries to Libya on Sunday expressed deep concern about the human rights violations in the war-torn country.

"We remain concerned by reported abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law which continue to happen across Libya, including against civilians and internally-displaced persons," the ambassadors said in a joint statement issued by the U.S. embassy to Libya.

The statement represents the voice of over a dozen of Western countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France.

It mentioned "continued violence between armed groups," and "reports of unlawful killings and torture" in Libya.

The envoys urged "those suspected of committing, ordering, or failing to prevent such acts on all sides" to be fully investigated.

The statement also cited a recent CNN report about a slave market in Libya, where stranded African immigrants were reportedly sold for only 400 U.S. dollars each.

Libyan authorities have dismissed the report, saying it is "swathed in doubts" and meant to tarnish the image of the country.

The Western ambassadors' statement was released to mark the International Human Rights Day, and the 70th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It urged all Libyan parties to "work quickly and cooperatively to amend and fully implement the Libyan Political Agreement," citing it is the "only viable framework" throughout Libya's transitional period.

Libya has been suffering from violence and chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. Enditem