The United Nations’ Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily emphasized the imperative of concerted efforts from political, security, and social leaders to address the current crisis, and pave the way for elections.
In a statement to Al-Masar television, Bathily underscored that “national reconciliation holds paramount significance in restoring Libya to its natural state, thereby facilitating its path towards stability and normalcy.”
On Saturday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar received Bathily in Benghazi.
Bathily briefed Haftar on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) upcoming plan, which will lead to the holding of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The statement added that they stressed the importance of supporting the efforts of the Libyan Parliament, and the High Council of State (HCS) to complete the constitutional rule.
On his part, Haftar expressed his “continued support to my efforts on the political process, and to the important work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) in creating an enabling security environment,” Bathily tweeted.
The two officials had previously met in Benghazi last month. They discussed the political, security, and social situation in Libya. “We agreed that it is imperative that all parties engage constructively, and without delay, to establish a constitutional framework to facilitate free, fair, and transparent elections in 2023,” Bathily tweeted.
Bathily encouraged Haftar to continue support for the JMC. As well as commending his commitment to back the implementation of the action plan for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, and mercenaries. “This will contribute to sustainable peace and stability in Libya,” he explained
The two agreed on the critical need to unify state institutions, including the military. As well as ensure national resources are managed transparently, for the benefit of all Libyans.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down.