UN Security Council Calls for Elections in Libya “As Soon As Possible”
The United Nations Security Council reiterated its “strong commitment” to an “inclusive political process” in Libya that allows for “free, fair, transparent and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections to be held as soon as possible.”
The Council confirmed in a statement its “strong support” for the role of the UN envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, to foster “an inclusive political process” based on the Libyan Shkirat Political Agreement, the roadmap of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (Lpdf), as well as the updated electoral laws agreed by the 6+6 Committee, made up of members of the House of Representatives (east) and the State Council (west).
The statement urged the Libyan parties to “fully engage” with Bathily “without preconditions” to reach “the compromises necessary to take the country towards elections”.
Finally, the statement relaunched “the call for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya”, expressing “concern in light of the growing tensions in Libya, including the proliferation of armed militias”.
At the same time, Security Council members underlined “the importance of providing a secure environment”, also supporting “the efforts of the Presidential Council to initiate the process of national reconciliation, with the support of the African Union” through a conference which will take place on April 28th in Sirte”.
