Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry underlined the state of “frustration in Libya after the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) has failed to fulfil its commitments in holding elections on time,” according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
During his speech at the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Shoukry called for “concerted efforts by the committee to support the constitutional path in Libya.”
He also urged for finalizing the election laws in order to hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The Egyptian FM stressed the need to hold elections under the supervision of “a neutral executive authority, that is free from the pursuit of personal interests.”
He affirmed that “Cairo was and will remain supportive of the Libyan people, their choices, and the continuous international and regional efforts to achieve their aspirations.” As well as highlighting Egypt’s efforts towards resolving the crisis in Libya, and affirming the continuous cooperation with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Earlier this month, Shoukry said that “foreign parties must cease their attempts to divert Libya’s political process to suit their interests.” This came during a meeting with the Head of UNSMIL, Abdoulaye Bathily in Cairo.
Shoukry also stressed the necessity of “not allowing any internal Libyan party to hijack the political process through imposing a fait accompli.”
Moreover, he briefed Bathily on the developments of the constitutional track, in light of the successive meetings Cairo recently hosted. As well as stressing the importance of successfully concluding this track under the auspices of UNSMIL, in preparation for holding legislative and Presidential elections simultaneously without delay.
In turn, Bathily thanked Egypt for its efforts in resolving the Libyan crisis as it pertains to the 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee (JMC), the country’s constitutional track, as well as the Libyan Economic Working Group.
He stated that UNSMIL stressed that the “key to Libya’s solution lies in the hands of the Libyans,” calling on all parties to “show flexibility regarding the few remaining issues in the constitutional track.”
The Senegalese diplomat added that it is necessary for Egypt to “maintain open communication and coordination with the UN in order to provide proper support to Libya to guarantee the holding of elections. As well as the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country, in line with the Security Council resolutions.”