21. In my meetings with the leaderships of the General National Congress and the Government, I noted a shared belief that a national dialogue process would allow for the Libyan national interest to prevail over factional, regional and short-term interests. In light of the growing disillusionment with the political process, such a dialogue would give voice to many Libyans and opens a space that does not exclude any of those who may have contributions to make to public life and are otherwise isolated, separated or entrenched in their partisan attitudes. It would also promote a national capacity to address urgent priorities and ensure public support to the efforts of state-building, more particularly in the security and justice sectors.
22. There have been increasing calls for UNSMIL to play an active role in initiating and facilitating national dialogue. We will not shy away from shouldering our responsibility but will continue insisting that the process should be Libyan-convened and Libyan-led. I have assured the Libyan authorities, time and again, as well as many political leaders and opinion-makers of UNSMIL’s readiness and commitment to give advice and technical support to dialogue endeavors, whatever the form they may take. It is our hope that these efforts will come to fruition in the near future.
Thank you.
(Source: UNSMIL)
