VOA常速英语:美国非洲司令部司令：打击利比亚武装派系须共同努力

Libya’s political chaos remains entrenched.The internationally-backed Government of National Accord controls only part of Tripoli.Rival power bases vie for the capital and other cities.In the east, General Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army holds sway.

Speaking to VOA Sunday during the Munich Security Conference,General Thomas Waldhauser who leads the U.S. Africa Command said the United States is pushing for a unity deal.

“There’s no doubt about the fact that Haftar and his influence, especially in the east, is something that has to be dealt with.And this is when we talk about a political solution that has to take place, this is where it all begins.”

Haftar’s forces control most of Libya’s oil fields.Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft signed a preliminary agreement with Libya’s National Oil Company Tuesday to invest billions of dollars.It is the latest move by Moscow to reassert ties with Libya — and further evidence of its strong backing for Haftar.General Waldhauser acknowledged Russia would likely play a role in any solution.

“We welcome anyone’s... The goal is to get those two together.The goal is to get those two to talk, and the goal is to make some accommodation in that regard.”

The United States has conducted a sustained air campaign against Islamic State militants in Libya.The Africa Command is building partnerships in the Sahel region aimed at tackling terrorists —staging an annual joint exercise known as Operation Flintlock.

Nigeria is a key regional partner,and the United States is providing intelligence support in the country’s fight against IS-affiliated terror group Boko Haram.Speaking in Munich, Nigerian Major General Babagana Monguno said the association of global terror groups means international cooperation is vital.

“The uprising in Libya and the eventual capitulation of the Gadhafi government resulted in a southward flow of arms and human beings.The most natural place in sub-Saharan Africa for this flow was Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s army has been accused of abuses by human rights group Amnesty International in the fight against Boko Haram.Waldhauser said the U.S. military takes such allegations seriously when working with partners.

“We understand the requirement for battlefield ethics.We make it part of our training, and we try to continue to emphasize that in all,in more over than just in aspects but in legal system, in our discussions with key leaders as well.”

The three-week Operation Flintlock 2017 will bring together 2,000 service personnel from more than 20 African,European and North American nations.

Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, Munich, Germany.