Deeply Concerned by Military Escalation in Libya following Attack on Air Base, Secretary-General Calls upon All Parties to Exercise Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the military escalation at the Brak al-Shati air base in southern Libya and calls on all parties to exercise restraint and restore calm.  He is particularly disturbed by the high number of fatalities as well as reports of summary executions of civilians, which, if confirmed, may constitute war crimes.  The continued insecurity in Libya is a reminder that there is no military solution.  The Secretary-General therefore urges all key Libyan stakeholders to recommit to the political dialogue and engage constructively towards that goal.

The Secretary-General appreciates the efforts of a number of regional and neighbouring countries for their contributions aimed at strengthening the dialogue between key stakeholders in support of the overall United Nations-led process.