Libya : Warring Factions Clash

Libya’s peace process is on a tight rope following the resumption of clashes by the two warring factions. Reports say over the weekend, there were heavy fighting in the capital Tripoli and its vicinities. Though no casualties were reported, local authorities say there was infrastructural damage, including a power plant. The ongoing fighting, comes on the heels of an attempt by one of Libya’s rival Prime Ministers to seat his government in the capital of Tripoli and a blockage of major oil production fields in the country. While the two rival prime ministers blamed each other for the escalation, the development underscores the fragility of the situation in the war-wracked country. 
The U.N. special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, has urged the rival parties to be calm and engage in talks to resolve their disputes. “Conflict cannot be solved with violence, but with dialogue and mediation,” she tweeted, adding that the United Nations is ready to host all parties “in helping Libya find a genuine, consensual way forward towards stability and elections.” In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that the U.S. was “highly concerned” by the violence in Libya and appealed for all sides to “recognize that trying to seize or retain power through force will only hurt the people of Libya.” “It’s critical for Libyan leaders to find consensus to avoid clashes. We continue to believe that the only viable path to legitimate leadership is by allowing Libyans to choose their leaders through free and fair elections,’’ Price said. 
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire across the city. “There was shooting and gunfire everywhere,” said Salim Ahmed, a schoolteacher. ...