The African Union deeply concerned by the situation in Libya

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is shocked and saddened by the acts of violence which occurred in Tripoli, on 15 and 16 November 2013, resulting in the death of dozens of people, while many more were wounded.

The Chairperson of the Commission is deeply concerned at the increasing violence and lawlessness in the country, including a series of similar incidents in Benghazi and other cities in recent weeks. She strongly condemns the resort to violence by armed militias, in general, and against peaceful protesting civilians, in particular.

The Chairperson of the Commission, once again, urges all Libyan stakeholders to resolve their political differences through dialogue and within the framework of the existing institutions. She reiterates AU's commitment, along with international partners, to support the efforts of the Libyan Government, under the direction of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, to stabilize the situation in the country, including by restoring public order, with a view to creating the necessary conditions for the successful completion of the current transition.