The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Libya, and the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily stressed the need to unify efforts to reach a constitutional basis for the elections as soon as possible.
In a tweet, Bathily said he met with Libyan MP’s “from the south, east and west, as part of my consultations with Libyan political actors. They shared with me their perspectives on ways to advance the political process forward.”
He confirmed that several of them voiced concerns about the political stalemate and its implications for Libya’s stability and security. “They also expressed their desire to unify Libyan institutions as a prerequisite to breaking the political impasse. I welcomed their commitment to Libya and finding a way forward, and expressed my hope that they continue to be vocal about their convictions in the interest of the country and its people.”
“I stressed the need for all leaders to meet the expectations of the 2.8m Libyans who registered to vote, and the need for the HCS & HoR to positively and constructively engage to reach a constitutional basis for elections as soon as possible,” he added.
On Friday, Bathily met with diplomats from Sudan, Niger, and Chad. They discussed the latest developments in the country.
In a tweet, Bathily said: “Yesterday at UNSMIL’s office, I received Ambassador of Sudan Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmad; Ambassador of Niger H.Essiq IG Gato; and Chargé d’affaires of Chad Bashir Tribo Aboud. We compared notes on the ongoing crisis in Libya, including on the security dynamics in the sub-region.”
Bathily added that he “expressed the need for neighbouring countries to maximize support for UNSMIL, and the 5+5 Joint Military Commission’s (JMC) efforts in implementing the relevant action plan around the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries.”
The UN envoy noted that the ambassadors affirmed their support for Libya in this regard. During the meeting, Bathily stressed that “solidarity and concerted actions are required to build stability and peace in Libya and further regional integration.”