Intel: US engaging with Libya players for possible demilitarization of Sirte
US officials have discussed with foreign governments the possibility of establishing a demilitarized area in and around the Libyan city of Sirte, Washington’s Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said Monday.
United States officials have discussed with foreign governments the possibility of establishing a demilitarized area in and around the Libyan city of Sirte, Washington’s Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said Monday.
“One of the ideas we are suggesting is supporting some sort of a demilitarized solution around Sirte. We are not the only ones who suggested that, but if we can use our influence to do so, we would like very much to do that,” Norland told Cairo-based Ahram Online in an interview.
“The aim is to get forces to pull back, to find some sort of neutral security arrangement for the city itself and to avoid the risk of Sirte becoming a flashpoint for an expanded conflict,” Norland said.
Why it matters: Norland’s comments add depth to reports last week that the Trump administration was engaging in “360-degree” diplomacy with all sides in Libya’s conflict to bring about a cease-fire.
