On Wednesday, the US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, called on the members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to work with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to reach a consensus on the constitutional basis needed to hold national elections in December. He confirmed that Libyans have a strong desire to elect their next government.
In a tweet, Norland said that the upcoming elections are the best path to a legitimately elected, accountable government as a means to ensure stability, prosperity, and public service delivery for the welfare of Libyans.
Last Friday, Ambassador Norland stressed the need for the departure of Turkish forces from Libya and respect for the UN arms embargo. In an interview with the Egyptian state-run newspaper, Gomhuria Online, Norland said the presence of foreign forces in Libya should not be used as an excuse to delay the elections.
The Ambassador also indicated that the government to be formed after the elections on 24 December, will be “empowered, sovereign, and will strengthen the voice of the Libyan people who seek the departure of these forces.” He added that the elected government would need to choose a group of international partners who could help Libya meet its national security requirements, in a way that promotes regional stability.