RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed ceasefire declarations made by rival Libyan factions on Friday. In a statement, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: The Saudi government welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in the country made by Libya's Presidential Council and the House of Representatives." "The government stresses the need for the start of an internal political dialogue that places the Libyan national interest above all considerations. It calls for finding a permanent solution that guarantees security and stability for the Libyan people, and preventing external interference that exposes Arab regional security to risks," the statement read. Libya's warring rival governments announced in separate statements on Friday that they would cease all hostilities and organize national elections soon, an understanding swiftly welcomed by the United Nations. The statements were signed by Fayez El-Sarraj, head of the Tripoli-based Government of the National Alliance, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of the eastern-based parliament backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Earlier in the day, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire declarations, calling them an "important step" on the path to restoring stability. "I welcome statements by Libya's presidential council and the House of Representatives calling for a ceasefire and halting military operations in all Libyan territory," Sisi said in a tweet. The UN mission in Libya welcomed both statements and called for the expulsion of all foreign forces and mercenaries — which are fighting on both sides — from the country. "The two initiatives have created hope for forging a peaceful political solution to the longstanding Libyan crisis, a solution that will affirm the desire of the Libyan people to live in peace and dignity," said Stephanie Williams, acting head of the UN mission. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the recent developments on the Libyan front and said that Rome would continue its efforts to find a political solution to the crisis. The US embassy in Libya said that it welcomed the ceasefire declarations, considering it an important step for all Libyans. Russian authorities also welcomed the ceasefire.
