Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Special Representative to Libya met with the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin to discuss the current political and security situation in the country.
During the meeting, the two officials affirmed the urgent need for Libyan parties to reach a political settlement for conducting national elections.
“We reviewed the current political and security situation in the country, and agreed on the urgency for Libyan actors to engage towards a political settlement for national elections,” Bathily said.
On Monday, the European Union’s Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando affirmed the EU’s support for Bathily’s efforts in overcoming the country’s political impasse.
During a meeting in Tripoli, Orlando stated, “I have reiterated the European Union’s strong support for Bathily’s mediation.”
He added that Bathily’s initiative aimed at “surpassing the fragile and divided stalemate by reaching a comprehensive political agreement among the main parties involved, leading the country towards national elections.”
He further affirmed that he has agreed with Bathily on the need to intensify efforts to break the political deadlock, and allow citizens to choose their leadership, restore legitimacy to all institutions, and thereby preserve the stability, unity, and sovereignty of the country.
Earlier, the media advisor to the Parliament Speaker, criticized Bathily for hindering progress towards elections through a negative stance, and lack of cooperation.
In televised statements, Fathi Al-Maryami explained that the Parliament had issued electoral laws in 2023, and worked diligently towards achieving stability and security. However, Bathily’s interventions and the UN mission’s call for a five-party dialogue impacted these efforts.
He added that the five-party dialogue faced numerous objections, especially due to the invitation of Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to participate in negotiations on forming a serious government.l