UN tries to salvage Libya talks after gov't announces pullout

The United Nations tried to salvage talks over a ceasefire for Libya on Feb. 19 after the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) said it was pulling out after a single day to protest against the shelling of the capital's port.

Talks began on Feb. 18 in Geneva between the internationally recognized Tripoli government and its main rivals, the eastern-based Libya National Army (LNA), which has been trying to take the capital.

Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj of the GNA said on Feb. 19 talk about resuming peace negotiations has been overtaken by events on the ground amid ongoing shelling from eastern factions trying to take Tripoli.

"There must be first a strong signal from all international players who are trying to talk to us," he told reporters at Tripoli's sea port which got shelled by eastern forces on Feb. 18.

Late on Feb. 18 the government said it would suspend its participation after the LNA shelled Tripoli port in the latest of several strategic plays by troops loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar that have coincided with attempts to ease tensions.

U.N. Libya envoy Ghassan Salame was trying to convince the Tripoli delegation to stay in Geneva and resume indirect talks, a source close to the talks said and the United Nations confirmed.

"Delegations are still here (in Geneva) and Dr. Salame has a meeting today with the head of the GNA delegation," said Jean El Alam, spokesman for the United Nations Libya mission, referring to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord. "The mission leadership is in contact with the GNA in Tripoli and member states to keep the momentum going."

In a separate statement, the U.N. mission said it was "expressing its strong and renewed condemnation of...