On Saturday, Egypt welcomed the agreement between Libyan Parliament and High Council of State (HCS) to refer the draft constitutional document to the two chambers for approval, and the holding of elections.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that the agreement “is an important step in moving forward towards holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections simultaneously in Libya as soon as possible.”
Cairo reaffirmed its support for the unity and stability of Libya, and for state institutions. It also called for the departure of all foreign forces, mercenaries, and foreign fighters from Libyan territories.
The statement praised the role of the Libyan Parliament and the HCS in carrying out their responsibilities. It noted that the step “represents a main path that embodies the will of the Libyan people, since it was Libyan-led.”
Notably, Libyan Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh and the HCS Head, Khaled Al-Mishri, met in Cairo on Thursday. The two officials said in a joint statement, that they have agreed to set “a clear and specific” roadmap for elections. They also agreed to create a joint committee to refer the constitutional document to the two chambers for approval.
Al-Mishri said that the new roadmap and the constitutional base that will govern the elections will be announced soon, following a meeting with Saleh, and the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily.
He explained that the disagreement on the constitutional basis “prevented them from presenting the roadmap to the Libyan people and in the media. The issue is now being brought up for societal dialogue, through seminars and press and media conferences.”
The roadmap aims “to organise elections and unify state institutions,” according to a joint statement issued by the two chambers.
The two sides affirmed their “keenness to achieve a consensual constitutional basis, to reach the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.”
