The United Nations Security Council has urged Libyans to move quickly on the stalled Libyan Political Agreement, amid concern over the escalation of violence among armed groups in Tripoli and the overall terror threat in Libya.

The UNSC also reiterated grave concern over Islamic State and groups claiming allegiance to them and to Al-Qaida. Despite progress, the successes in Sirte and Benghazi are followed by reports that those affiliated with Islamic State may now pose a threat in other parts of the country.

The statement followed a briefing Tuesday by UN envoy Martin Kobler, head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), after last week’s violent Tripoli street battles amid deteriorating  security, economic and humanitarian conditions.

Various militia groups and alliances have controlled Tripoli, with an increase in their numbers since the signing of a December 2015 peace agreement.

The UNSC asked that militia groups honor the Presidency Council’s appeal to cease the fighting, and bridge the gap between their political divisions under a unified command that ends the suffering of the Libyan people.

The council reiterated their recognition of the Government of National Accord established last year as the sole government of Libya, asking that the GNA work with the House of Representatives to finalize the legislative steps needed for the agreement to be implemented.

Image: UNSMIL