The Libyan Parliament-designated government led by Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha expressed its aspiration to cooperate with the new United Nations (UN) Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily.
The Bashagha government affirmed its keenness on the peaceful transfer of power, and the necessity of ending the transitional stages through presidential and parliamentary elections. It called for fair and transparent elections under international supervision, in order to ensure the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Bashagha government said it gains its legitimacy from the confidence decision that was issued by the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR), and the recommendation of members of the High Council of State (HCS).
The government stressed its keenness on the safety of civilians and the preservation of the security and stability of Libya. It clarified that it did not initiate any military actions or practice any form of violence.
The Bashagha Government also accused the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) of political and military escalation. “The outgoing government obstructs any peaceful political process and aborts all attempts to hold elections, all in order to maintain in office.”
Notably, Bathily arrived in Tripoli on Friday, to assume his office as the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
According to a statement issued by UNSMIL, Bathily said his priority is to identify a consensual pathway towards the holding of inclusive and credible national elections. He stressed that the elections should be held as soon as possible on a solid constitutional framework.
“Restoring the electoral process will support fostering national unity and stability and renew the legitimacy of institutions in the country,” he affirmed.
Bathily noted that he will lead the UN’s good offices and mediation efforts to reach a sustainable and peaceful Libyan-led and Libyan-owned solution.
“Over the coming days, I will first and foremost engage with all Libyan parties across the country, including civil society, women, and youth groups, to listen to their views on the political, security, and economic situations and hear their vision about the future of their country,” Bathily added.
Sources told Abaad News that Bathily will hold talks in Benghazi, East of Libya, with the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He will meet Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh and Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha.