ADDIS ABABA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed "deep concern" over the recent deadly armed clashes in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.
Noting the armed clashes that have resulted in loss of life and damage to property, the AU Commission chief, in a statement issued late Saturday, stressed the importance of demilitarizing Tripoli.
Welcoming the recent cease-fire and the return of cautious calm, he urged all parties to refrain from actions or statements that could further destabilize the fragile security situation.
Youssouf also reiterated the AU's support for efforts aimed at restoring civilian order and upholding the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in line with international law.
He called for national responsibility and engagement in a comprehensive political process to end Libya's prolonged transitional phase and achieve lasting peace and development.
The chairperson reaffirmed the AU's strong support for Libya and urged all stakeholders to commit to the National Reconciliation Charter, signed in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa in February.
On Thursday, Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) said the security situation in the capital has returned to stability, following two days of violent clashes between rival factions that left at least six people dead.
Libya has remained divided since the 2011 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-backed uprising, with rival governments in Tripoli and the east. Within Tripoli and other areas under the control of the GNU, armed factions continue to compete for influence, often violently, despite repeated calls for disarmament and the unification of security institutions. ■