On Wednesday, Libya’s new Consul-General in Dubai, Abdulrahman H.S Elyasir presented his credentials to Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s (MoFAIC’s) Dubai Office.
During the meeting, Al Maktoum welcomed the Consul-General and hailed the political, economic, commercial, and investment relations that bind the two friendly countries. As well as wishing him success in his duties.
He also encouraged all Libyan leaders to “agree on a solution based on a national compromise, and avoid escalatory action that would threaten Libya’s already fragile stability and unity.”
Notably, Ambassador Mohamed Abu Shehab, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations affirmed that Abu Dhabi “plays an essential and pivotal role in reaching a solution to the Libyan crisis through dialogue. In order to achieve the Libyan people’s aspirations for security and prosperity, and hold Parliamentary and Presidential elections as soon as possible.”
During the Security Council’s session in December, Abu Shehab praised what he described as the “effective engagement” of the Libyan parties, the international community, and the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily in resolving the crisis.
He also stressed that this lends momentum to the political track, and contributes to advancing the electoral process.
He also highlighted the importance of achieving national reconciliation among Libyans, “to break with the past and strengthen cohesion, in a way that serves long-term security and peace in the country.”
The statement stressed the need to continue building on the gains made in the security field, in terms of defeating terrorism and maintaining the ceasefire.
The diplomat also demanded the gradual withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries. As well as noting his appreciation for military leaders, and members of the (5 + 5) Joint Military Commission (JMC) for their impartiality and for giving priority to the national interest in order to preserve the permanent ceasefire agreement.” He also urged them to “take concrete steps to unify the security institutions.”
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, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December, and the refusal of Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down. In response, the country’s eastern-based Parliament appointed a rival Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.
