On Thursday, the United States Embassy in Libya announced that USAID Representative, John Cardenas and his Deputy, Nathan Park held talks with members of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in Tripoli.
The two sides discussed the “importance of holding credible and transparent elections, ensuring women’s empowerment and participation, and opportunities for continued assistance to the HNEC,” the Embassy tweeted.
“The U.S. continues to stand with the Libyan people in their desire for a democratically elected government that can deliver the peace and prosperity that they deserve,” it added.
The US delegation’s first visit comes within the framework of the international community’s support for a democratic solution in Libya.
The meeting also discussed the support USAID is able to provide to HNEC, in managing and implementing elections.
The guests praised the efforts made by HNEC to provide ideal conditions for holding elections, in accordance with the highest international standards. They affirmed that international support for these efforts will continue until elections are held in Libya.
In turn, the HNEC members expressed their appreciation for the support of the international community. As well as reiterating their goal to end the transitional phase through a transparent electoral process that is acceptable to all parties, and fulfils the aspirations of Libyans for a stable and democratic state.
Notably, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily said that “there is an increasing convergence of views that Libyan elections should take place in 2023.”
In a thread on his Twitter account, Bathily noted that ahead of his departure for the Security Council briefing in New York, he consulted with Libyan leaders.
He explained that he held consultations with the Head of the Presidential Council; Mohamed Al-Mnifi, Parliament Speaker; Ageela Saleh, the Head of the High Council of State (HCS); Khaled Al-Mishri and the General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA); Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar.
Bathily added that he also consulted with a delegation representing the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba.
“I welcome the commitment of all towards finding a Libyan-led solution to the political crisis. We must all work together to end the current impasse, and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people,” he noted.