The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called on the Libyan parties to “adopt a political dialogue to resolve their differences in a way that preserves Libya’s interests, and achieves its people’s aspirations for development and prosperity.”
This came in the final communique of the GCC’s 43rd session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Council reaffirmed the need to “stop interference in Libya’s internal affairs, and for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory. As well as support for UN efforts to reach a political solution, hold elections, and unify state institutions.”
The GCC expressed concerns about the repeated outbreak of armed clashes in the country, which “threatens the security and safety of the Libyan people, and undermines the stability of the country.”
It affirmed its “support of the political track and relevant Security Council resolutions to preserve Libya’s security, stability, and sovereignty.” The statement called on all Libyan parties to “halt clashes in a way that guarantees the cessation of violence, end the bloodshed, and give priority to wisdom and reason.”
It welcomed the appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily as the UN Special Representative for Libya, wishing him success in reaching a political solution.
Last month, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations for Political Affairs in Libya, Raisedon Zenenga stressed the need for progressive steps to bring weapons under the control and responsibility of the Libyan State.
He reiterated the UN’s “continued support to Libyan-led efforts on SSR, DDR, the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries and the disposal of remnants of war and unexploded ordnance.”