Libyan Dialogue Convenes In Ghadames; Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures, More Meetings
At the invitation of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), a group of parliamentarians from the Libyan House of Representatives met last week in Ghadames for preliminary discussions on ways of overcoming the deficit of trust and confidence within parliamentary ranks, and resolving the current political stalemate in the country.
The group of 22 parliamentarians comprised sitting members from the House of Representatives in Tobruk, in addition to parliamentarians who have absented themselves from House of Representatives proceedings.
The group of parliamentarians agreed to convene a second round of talks following Eid al-Adha in order to address all outstanding differences within the framework of a political process, and to call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire. They also agreed on two confidence-building measures. These include working together to address urgent humanitarian needs, particularly those related to the wounded on all sides, as well as facilitating the resumption of normal functioning of all the country’s major airports, with United Nations assistance.
The parliamentarians pledged to work jointly to address disagreements within their ranks related to the work of the House of Representatives, and stressed that the only way forward to tackle the current crisis is through political dialogue and a rejection of the use of force.
The agenda, venue and date of additional rounds of talks following the Eid, which will be facilitated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Bernardino León, and his team, will be agreed on in the coming days.
In closing remarks, the Special Representative acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved for making today’s event possible, including also the Ghadames Municipal Council and local security actors which had hosted today’s talks. He also extended a word of gratitude for the support of the international community, including as well to the Special Envoys of the United Kingdom and Malta, both of whom were present at the opening session.
(Source: UNSMIL)
(UN image via Shutterstock)
