Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 20 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Libya: Ceasefires

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the evacuation of foreign military forces from Libya began on 23 January, as scheduled in the ceasefire agreement of 23 October 2020; and if they have made no such assessment, what assessment they have made of how this process of evacuation may begin.

Answer: The UK fully supports the ceasefire brokered by the UN in October 2020, has consistently called for its implementation, and is closely monitoring the situation. The UK, jointly with partners, recently urged Libyan political leaders to take all necessary measures to accelerate the implementation of the ceasefire, prioritising the opening of the Coastal Road between Abu Grein and Sirte. The UK continues to press all external actors to withdraw their foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, as required by the ceasefire agreement and to abide by the UN arms embargo. There is no military solution to the challenges that Libya faces.

Secondary information