The High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy in the European Union, Josep Borrell, expressed his hope that the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) currently being held in Tunisia would succeed.
Borrell described the ongoing dialogue as fruitful. He stressed the need not to miss the opportunity to resolve the crisis. In statements to the Italian agency AKI, Borrell described it as an “important step.” He welcomed the agreement reached to hold elections within 18 months.
Libya’s rivals began much-awaited political peace talks on Monday, brokered by the United Nations. The goal of these talks is to draw a roadmap to presidential, and parliamentary elections for the country. 75 Libyan delegates were selected by the UN to take part in the six-day forum.
Tunisia’s President, Kais Saied, attended the opening ceremony, calling the forum “historic, by all measures”. He added that UN efforts aim to set “clear measures and specific dates” to reach “a peaceful solution” to the conflict. Saied also called on those who will lead the transitional period to refrain from running in the upcoming elections.