Libyan Higher Council of State urges fighting parties to calm down

TRIPOLI, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Head of the Libyan Higher Council of State Abdurrahman Swehli on Sunday called on fighting parties in western Libya to calm down and refrain from military actions in civilian area.

Swehli made his remarks during a meeting with mayors of western cities in the capital Tripoli, where they discussed military developments in western Libya following the military operation launched by the UN-backed government against smuggling and insecurity in the area.

"The Head of the Council called on all parties to calm and resort to reason, stressing rejection to intimidation of civilians and any acts that might provoke ethnic or regional conflict," The Council's media office said in a statement.

"He also stressed support for the state's control over all vital installations and land, air and sea ports, in accordance with proper legal procedures," the statement added.

Swehli and the mayors agreed to hand over the Tunisian border to the Government's presidential guards service and the Ministry of Interior, the statement said.

"The Head of the Council called upon the Government of National Accord to rise up to its responsibilities regarding the current events, in accordance with the provisions of the political agreement," the statement said.

The Government on Friday launched a military operation against insecurity and smuggling networks in western Libya, where armed groups smuggle fuel and illegal immigrants.

The Government's forces and the Municipal Council of the western Libyan city of Zuwara on Saturday reached an agreement to stop all military operations in the area. Enditem