On Wednesday, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his support for the UN-led political process in Libya. He called on all foreign forces to leave the North African country and allow the Libyan people to decide their own future.
He commended the Libyans’ reassertion of sovereignty, as they take steps towards a lasting ceasefire through UN-facilitated talks.
“We look forward to the upcoming Libya Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), and to supporting the transfer of power to a new executive authority,” Pompeo noted.
On 13 October, the US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, met with the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya, Stephanie Williams. Norland said that through the UN-facilitated dialogue, “Libyan parties are coming together peacefully to achieve a sovereign Libyan solution to end the conflict, promote transparent management of Libya’s economic resources, and finalize a roadmap to national elections,” according to a statement by the embassy.
He also expressed appreciation for Tunisia’s contributions to the success of the upcoming LPDF. The US diplomat also welcomed the resumption of UN-facilitated military talks in Geneva, which builds on successful meetings hosted by Egypt in Hurghada. It also represents an important step toward a demilitarized solution in central Libya, and the ultimate expulsion of foreign elements from the country.