UN mission deplores attack against Libya's lawmakers, parliament building

The United Nations mission in Libya has strongly condemned the attack that took place on Sunday against the country's parliament and its members, and stressed the need for respecting state institutions and rejecting violence.

Libya's parliament, known as the General National Congress, has reportedly moved into a hotel in the capital, Tripoli, after rioters armed with knives and guns stormed the legislature building, torching furniture, killing a guard and wounding six lawmakers.

In a statement issued today, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stressed "the importance of respecting the legitimate institutions, rejecting violence in politics and guaranteeing the right to free expression through peaceful means…"

It added that this is vital to ensuring the proper continuation of the political process aiming at achieving a democratic transfer of power and preserving the security and stability of Libya.

The Libyan Government and people have been undergoing a democratic transition following the toppling of former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi three years ago. Recent months have witnessed worsening security and political divisions which threaten to undermine the country's transition.

Just last week, UNSMIL, which has been supporting the efforts of the Government and people to ensure the success of the transition, voiced deep concerns about the continued violence, including assassinations, bombings, kidnappings and attacks in the country.