On Thursday, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and House of Representatives (HOR) President Agilah Saleh met to discuss Libya’s political transition.
According to a statement by the US Embassy, the two men agreed on the importance of respecting democratic processes and the need to avoid individual attempts to unilaterally dictate Libya’s political future using armed force.
They agreed that there is no military solution in Libya and highlighted the importance of continuing UNSMIL-facilitated negotiations.
Ambassador Norland and President Saleh discussed the Berlin Conference and the need for all countries that participated to live up to their commitments not to interfere militarily in Libya.
Saleh noted that the time has come to end infighting among Libyans. Ambassador Norland highlighted the importance of counter-terrorism and the risk that continued conflict will create by giving space for terrorist elements to regroup across the country.
Ambassador Norland expressed the hope that by building on the Libyan National Army’s acceptance of a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, the parties could take serious steps for the future of Libyans and return to negotiations under the auspices of the UN to enforce a lasting ceasefire in the 5+5 format, as agreed in Geneva on February 23.
Ambassador Norland added that the United States encourages all voices genuinely committed to peace and stability in Libya to take part in shaping the country’s political future.