Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State, Khaled Al-Mishri, accompanied by Second Deputy Omar Al-Obeidi and Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee Abdulaziz Hreiba, held a meeting on Sunday with the British Ambassador to Libya, Martin Longden, at the council’s headquarters in Tripoli.
The discussions focused on several political issues, including the UN Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis, ending the division, and paving the way toward national elections.
The meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation and diplomatic efforts in achieving stability and fostering a political settlement in Libya.
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.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
