The Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, Mohamed Abushahab called on the Libyan leaders to “agree on the election laws to achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people for security and stability.”
During his speech at a UN Security Council session on Monday, the UAE diplomat stressed that “maintaining the political track remains a priority led by the Libyans.”
The UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily has briefed the Security Council on the developments at the same session.
Abushahab also called for the need to “focus on national reconciliation and dialogue as necessary to build confidence between the Libyan parties.” He pointed to the UAE’s support for the efforts of the Presidential Council and the African Union in the national reconciliation project.
He expressed his appreciation for the meeting of the security working group in Tripoli at the end of May, and its subsequent meeting in Benghazi. He said that the meeting “demonstrates the military leaders’ commitment to respecting the ceasefire.”
He also urged for “actual steps on the ground, including the simultaneous, phased and gradual withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya.”
In turn, Bathily expressed his views on the work of the 6+6 Joint Committee. Comprised of members from the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS), the Committee’s efforts were commended by Bathily. However, he noted that “this step is not enough to resolve all the outstanding issues in the way of the elections.”
Bathily further elaborated during the briefing: “We have followed the reactions to the outcomes of the 6+6 Committee, and this has highlighted that there are still several contentious issues.”
“The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has contacted the concerned parties expressing its concerns about the loopholes and shortcomings in the proposed election laws by the Committee.”
