UN Libya Envoy Steps Down

By Staff, Agencies

The United Nations’ [UN] envoy to war-plagued Libya, Ghassan Salame, announced his resignation on Monday citing health reasons, nearly three years after taking up the post.

"I tried to unite Libyans and restrain foreign interference... but for health reasons I can no longer continue with this level of stress and therefore I have asked the [UN] secretary-general to relieve me of my duties," Salame tweeted.

He added that he wished Libyans "peace and stability."

A source close to Salame confirmed to AFP that the veteran Lebanese diplomat was stepping down.

His job had involved efforts to bring an end to years of turmoil since the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar Gadhafi, which left Libya divided between rival governments and beset by violence.

His resignation comes after months of work to bring about a ceasefire since eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive in April to seize the capital Tripoli, seat of the UN-recognized Government of National Accord [GNA].

The unity government is supported by Turkey, while Haftar is backed by UN Security Council permanent member Russia -- two countries that also back opposing sides in Syria's conflict.

Salame, a former Lebanese culture minister, was appointed UN envoy in June 2017 and has struggled to bring the two sides together for talks to end Libya's conflict.