On Saturday, the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Othman Jerandi, conducted a telephone conversation with the Special Adviser to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in Libya, Stephanie Williams, to discuss the latest political developments in the country.
During the talks, the Tunisian FM stressed the “need to preserve Libya’s security and stability and its territorial integrity as a pivotal and principled issue for his country and a pillar of security and stability in the region.”
The Tunisian top diplomat highlighted the importance of rejecting violence and division as well as the need to work to support consensus and dialogue between the Libyan parties.
He also recalled “Tunisia’s support for dialogue and national reconciliation to find a Libyan-Libyan solution,” according to a statement by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides discussed the efforts undertaken by the UN mission to resume the political track in coordination and consultation with the various Libyan parties. This especially in light of Williams’ initiative related to establishing a consensual constitutional basis with the aim of holding the Libyan elections as soon as possible.
In addition, the Tunisian FM expressed his country’s confidence in the Libyans’ ability to reach the necessary consensus to create the best conditions for the success of the upcoming political elections. This with the support of neighbouring countries, the African Union (AU), the UN, and the international community.
In turn, the UN Adviser praised Tunisian permanent support for Libya with the aim of converging views between the various Libyan parties.
Libya faces a political crisis after the Parliament swore in a new government, last week. The incumbent administration has refused to cede power, amid the fallout from a failed attempt to hold national elections in December.
Each rival government has support among the armed factions based in Tripoli. The Parliament-backed Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, has said he intends to take over in the capital this week, raising fears of clashes.
Concern is growing that Libya might be plunged back into chaos after an UN-backed peace process stumbled in late December when elections for a new leadership were postponed.
Libya has enjoyed a rare period of comparative calm, since the end of a 14-month assault on Tripoli in Summer 2020 by eastern forces. This led to a peace process backed by the UN.