Noting that he human toll has been severe, with international humanitarian law defied on multiple occasions, Guterres said: "More than 220 schools in Tripoli are closed, depriving 116,000 children of their basic human right to an education. Migrants and refugees, trapped in detention centers near the fighting, have also been affected and continue to suffer in horrendous conditions. This terrible situation cannot be allowed to continue."

He reiterated his belief that there is no military solution in Libya and issued a reminder of the dangerous consequences of a full-blown civil war, which, he warned, could lead to a humanitarian nightmare, and leave the country vulnerable to permanent division. A civil war also risks further destabilizing the entire southern Mediterranean and Sahel region, exacerbating the threats of terrorism, human trafficking, and the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

Guterres welcomed the recent ceasefire between the two sides, and urged them to engage in good faith dialogue on political, economic and military issues in a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned inclusive process.

"We will stand with the Libyan people as they work to resolve their differences through discussion and compromise in good faith and chart a way to a more peaceful future," he concluded.

At the same time, the Secretary-General said in a press conference that a meeting to discuss the economic reform necessary for the normal governance of Libya would take place in the next two to three weeks. (ILKHA)