The Head of the United Nations Support Mission in (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, called on the Libyan parties to facilitate holding elections. He also encouraged the international community to support Libya’s elections.
In a tweet, Bathily said, “I had a constructive meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani, on the political, economic and security developments in Libya.”
He added, “I expressed my appreciation for Italy’s sustained support to United Nations (UN) efforts in facilitating elections in 2023.”
“We reiterated our call to all Libyan actors, including the leadership of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS) to facilitate the holding of elections through a clear and implementable agreement on a constitutional basis,” the UN Envoy stated.
He noted, “we also called on the international community to speak with one voice in support of the Libyan people’s aspiration for elections.”
Notably, Tajani stressed the importance of Italy’s role with regard to the Libyan crisis. He highlighted that Italy is working for stability in the entire region in general, and Libya in particular.
In a press statement, Tajani referred to what he called “the various influences exercised by Turkey and Egypt, and the talks with all forces in the field.”
He said that “Libya is living in a different situation than it was 5-6 months ago,” as he considers it “necessary to take into account what is happening.” He indicated that “Turkey has more influence in Tripoli, while the Egyptians have influence in Cyrenaica, and for this reason Italy is seeking dialogue with everyone.”
Tajani added that his visit to Tunisia and Turkey, as well as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Algeria aimed at “working for stability in the region,” stressing that Rome is working with the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Days ago, Tajani said that they are working together with Libya to find a solution to the immigration crisis, according to the memorandum of understanding signed last January.
Tajani pointed out that Libya is the main port of departure for migrants coming from the Mediterranean.
This came in a joint press conference with his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement Policy, Olivér Várhelyi.
The conference was held on the sidelines of the handover ceremony of the private boat, TSLCG to the Libyan Coast Guard. Tajani added that Libya is “a strategic country in combating immigration and human trafficking.” He stressed the need to strengthen support for transit countries.
Tajani pointed out that the “Libyan authorities have made efforts, but the flows of immigrants are not high, and that Italy is committed to the IRINI and European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Libya to monitor the borders. Italy’s priority is to achieve stability in Libya, and we need greater cooperation with the European Union (EU).”
