On Monday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, received the UN Special Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily in Benghazi.
The meeting was held to discuss the latest political developments. Bathily mentioned that he had consultations with Haftar, addressing the latest political situation with depth and candour.
He added that they had agreed on the necessity of addressing all issues related to the political process, and facilitating elections in the near term.
He highlighted that Haftar expressed his support for the current efforts being exerted. As well as elaborating on his ideas regarding ways to ensure the success of the preparatory meeting for key stakeholders in Libya.
Last week, Bathily affirmed the need for political leaders to create enabling conditions for Libyans to elect legitimate and accountable institutions.
This statement came during his meeting with the President of the Libyan National Women’s Council, Leila Al-Swaisi, and several members.
These consultations are part of his efforts to engage with all Libyan components and parallel initiatives to bring political factions together for a political settlement paving the way for elections.
Bathily urged political leaders to align their positions with the Libyan people’s commitment to unity, peace, and stability.
He highlighted the criticism raised during the meeting regarding the insufficient representation of women at all levels, with calls to empower Libyan women for meaningful political participation.
The participants welcomed his call for dialogue among key actors, committing to submit written contributions to ending the political deadlock in the country.
Notably, the UN Security Council has announced a mid-month briefing in December, to discuss the current situation in Libya.
The meeting will address the latest report from UN Secretary-General, António Guterres focusing on political, security, and humanitarian developments.
This aims to support political momentum and the mediation efforts led by Bathily towards conducting national elections and forming a unified government.
The objectives include assisting in establishing a common political ground among competing Libyan governments, to agree on electoral laws. The Council is likely to reiterate its call for Libyan stakeholders to engage in negotiations, for consensus on outstanding political issues.