The United States (US) Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Linda Thomas Greenfield, stressed that a political solution in Libya is possible, describing it as “necessary” and “urgent.”
These remarks came during a meeting with Libya’s Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abduehamid Al-Dbaiba, on Friday.
The US diplomat indicated that the US deems it necessary that elections take place on the planned date of December 24th. The diplomat reiterated that parties must come together to ensure that this happens by putting the needed legal and constitutional frameworks in place.
She also emphasized that the election deadline was outlined by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), which will be a key step to ending a decade of conflict in Libya.
The diplomat voiced her concerns about the continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries, and the need for their immediate withdrawal.
According to Greenfield, the UN Security Council must also continue to support efforts to resolve the issues surrounding military de-escalation and call for the immediate departure of foreign forces and mercenaries.
On his part, Al-Dbaiba welcomed the US’ re-engagement on Libya and the renewed relationship between the two countries. He said that holding the general elections on their scheduled date is a “national and historic choice.”
The Libyan people are entitled to elections on December 24, and fulfilling that pledge requires solidarity and close cooperation among all sides, according to Dbaiba. He said that his administration is doing its part with the allocation of funds to the electoral commission.
He called on the House of Representatives (HoR and the High Council of State (HCS) to assume their responsibilities and reach a consensus for elections to be held on time.