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Ahead of a summit in Berlin aimed at solving the conflict, a UN special envoy called on foreign fighters to leave the war-torn nation

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Published: 11:27pm, 18 Jan 2020Updated: 11:27pm, 18 Jan 2020

The UN's special envoy for Libya has called for foreign fighters to be withdrawn from the war-torn country, one day before a peace conference in Berlin aimed at solving the conflict.

“We have presented a security plan that foresees the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, regardless of nationality,” said Ghassan Salame in an interview with Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper published on Saturday.

Salame said that ending the illegal smuggling of arms into Libya will also be on the agenda on Sunday. According to an internal UN document, the conference is to work towards a permanent ceasefire and the implementation of an existing weapons embargo.

The Berlin summit was organised in coordination with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is leading consultations to find a peaceful solution to the Libya conflict together with Salame.

Representatives from more than 10 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are expected in the German capital for the peace talks hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Libya’s internationally recognised Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj. Photo: Reuters

Libya's internationally recognised Prime Minister, Fayez al-Serraj of the GNA, and rebel leader Khalifa Hifter of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) have been invited to attend, a German government statement said. It's unclear whether they will attend.