Germany urges end to fighting in Libya

By Ayhan Simsek </p> <p>BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged conflict parties in Libya to end fighting and return to peace negotiations, her office said on Monday. </p> <p>Merkel has spoken with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in a telephone call that focused on recent developments in Libya and Sudan, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said.</p> <p>“The Chancellor has expressed concern over the current military escalation in Libya,” he said, referring to the military offensive of Khalifa Haftar, who commands forces loyal to East Libya-based government, to capture capital Tripoli. </p> <p>“The Chancellor has called for a return to negotiations and to the UN-led political process as quickly possible,” he said. </p> <p> Egyptian President al-Sisi held talks with commander Haftar in Cairo on Sunday. </p> <p>Seibert said, during Merkel's phone call with al-Sisi, the leaders have also discussed the Sudan crisis, and the German Chancellor has underlined the importance of a quick transition to civilian rule in the country.</p> <p>“There must be a credible, inclusive political process which should address the expectations of Sudanese people for economic and political reforms,” he said.