EU foreign chief urges Libyans to re-start dialogue

Strasbourg (France)  :  Amid a deadly military escalation in Libya's capital this month, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Tuesday called for the country's warring factions to swiftly resume talks.

"A rapid return to the negotiating table is essential and is still possible," Mogherini said in an address at the European Parliament here.

"We believe more than ever that the United Nations and the (planned) National Conference track are the only real opportunities for a peaceful solution," she added.

Mogherini warned against "the multiplication and proliferation of various initiatives" aimed at ending the chaos that has gripped Libya since late dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

Over 170 people have been killed and 750 have been injured in fighting between eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces and those loyal to the United Nations backed government since Haftar ordered an assault on the capital nearly two weeks ago, while some 18,000 have fled their homes, according to the UN.

Italy favours a political solution to the conflict and opposes military intervention in Libya.