The Arab Parliament expressed its “rejection of any foreign interference in Libyan internal affairs.” It called on Arab states and the international community to “reunite Libya, overcome differences, renounce division, establish security and stability, and support development and reconstruction efforts.”
In a statement, the Parliament “appreciated the role played by Egypt in converging the views of the Libyan parties, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution.” It stressed that “Libya’s security is an integral part of Arab national security.”
It called on “all Libyan parties and national forces to return to constructive national dialogue, for the development of a clear and specific roadmap in order to bring views closer. As well as a national consensus on the foundations and laws related to executive procedures, and the unification of institutions in order to hold elections during the current year.”
The statement also called for a “sustainable consensus among all parties with the aim of getting out of the political stalemate, and reaching a consensual meeting point that would increase the chances of reaching a settlement of the crisis through a purely Libyan solution.”
The Arab Parliament welcomed the revival of the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Committee (JMC) after a period of stagnation, “as it is one of the main pillars for restoring stability, peace and security to Libya.”
It called for supporting the JMC’s efforts to expel foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory, stressing its “full support for all means aimed at unifying the military establishment.”
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 Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid 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.
