On Sunday, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis expressed his strong support to bring peace and stability to Libya.
This came in a congratulatory telegram received by the Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Libya’s Independence Day.
Ignazio affirmed that Switzerland “will support Libya to preserve its unity and sovereignty, and create appropriate conditions for ending the transitional stages, and wishing the Libyan people a future of peace and prosperity.”
On the 24th of December, Libyans celebrated their country’s Independence Day, amid international appeals for political leaders to be a driving force in resolving the decade-long crisis.
On the same occasion, the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, on Saturday, reiterated his call for the need to hold free and fair elections in Libya.
He encouraged all Libyan leaders to “agree on a solution based on a national compromise, and avoid escalatory action that would threaten Libya’s already fragile stability and unity.”
Bathily stressed that the UN “will spare no effort in working with all parties constructively, inclusively, and firmly to support Libyan leaders to prevent further division and avoid wasting more time.
“The patience of the Libyan people is running out. It is time to prioritize the needs of the nation and the public – including the 2.8 million Libyans who already registered to vote,” he added.
US President, Joe Biden affirmed his commitment to helping Libya achieve a stable, democratic, and prosperous future for its citizens, in a letter to the Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi. He also appreciated the Presidential Council’s efforts to achieve national reconciliation, paving the way for Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
24th December is celebrated across the world by Libyans, reminding them of the nation’s long history under foreign rule. Independence Day marks the nation’s leap towards freedom, resuming its rightful status as Libya’s highest national holiday in 2011, and commemorating the Libyan people’s drive for independence.