On Monday, US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland and Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Brednt held talks with the UAE Ambassador to Libya, Mohamed Al Shamsi.
They agreed to support the efforts of the UN Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, to bring together the main Libyan parties in serious negotiations.
According to the statement, Bathily’s negotiations aim to establish a credible roadmap for holding elections as soon as possible.
The meeting also touched on the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-28 in Dubai.
Notably, the US representative to the UN Security Council, John Kelly stated on Monday that there is a “particular challenge in forming a caretaker government with the task of overseeing Libyan elections.”
The US delegate expressed support for Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) meeting, and preparations for settling outstanding issues.
He urged Libyan stakeholders to “nominate representatives without delay. We agree with the viewpoint of most Libyans in breaking the deadlock to form a unified government.”
Notably, Bathily criticised Libyan officials for “clinging to their seats,” and urged the UN Security Council to intervene and prevent their failure to serve the Libyan people.
In a briefing to the Security Council, Bathily highlighted the approval of two laws on Presidential elections by the Libyan Parliament. He emphasised that, “for the first time since December 2021, Libya possesses a constitutional and legal framework for elections.”
Bathily said the High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) is “technically prepared,” and emphasised the national mood for a new political deal. He cautioned against a group of officials clinging to power, urging action to prevent failure and regional chaos.
He called for building on this progress, and revealed that he invited leaders from the top five institutions in Libya to a meeting. He stressed their role in either advancing the political process, or perpetuating the stalemate.
“Rivalry and a lack of trust among leaders contribute to the prolonged crisis, hindering progress towards peaceful elections. Some leaders show indecisiveness, hampering efforts to end the stalemate that has inflicted suffering on the Libyan people,” Bathily noted.
The Envoy called for a unified government, aligning with electoral laws and garnering support from all Libyan citizens. However, he emphasised the significance of electoral laws.
Despite a holding ceasefire, sporadic clashes and security incidents persist. Bathily proposed a preparatory session with the five representatives.
Bathily underscored that the majority of Libyans, including community leaders, political parties, and civil society, aspire for a unified government and expressed readiness for inclusive and successful elections.