Honorable Members of Parliament,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Most Libyans agree that the only way ahead for this country is a political process.
This is why the UN and the team of my Special Representative, Mr. Bernardino Leon, is helping the Libyans to achieve this goal with the help and support of many Special Envoys and partners.
In that respect, I came to Libya to convey a message of hope.
On 29 September, the UN organized a meeting of parliamentarians of the House of Representatives in Ghadames.
This constituted a first courageous step on which we will build on. I am here to support the process that was initiated in Ghadames.
This dialogue will have to be inclusive and representative of all Libyans.
There is no alternative to dialogue. It is my conviction that all problems in Libya can be solved through dialogue. Nevertheless, we understand that the path will be long and difficult.
Peacebuilding always is.
All parties will have to adopt difficult decisions – hard choices and hard decisions. This will not be easy. I would like to praise your courage for accepting to participate and lead in this process.
I am particularly reassured by the strong leadership shown by Mr. Sha’ib and Mr. Bashagha.
In the first place, the purpose of this dialogue will be to put an end to the institutional crisis. The country cannot afford to be politically divided for such a long time. Libya needs one parliament that represents all Libyans.
The United Nations recognizes and supports the legitimacy of the elected House of Representatives and demands all people to respect it.
But legitimacy has to come with inclusion. This inclusion entails rules of procedure based on consensus for the most important decisions, as in any parliament, in any democracy, in the world.
The House has to make all Libyans feel represented. All. All Libyans.
Libya also needs a strong government able to implement decisions. A strong government of national unity, which has the full political support and popular backing. A strong Parliament and a strong government can count on the support of the international community.
But for any political breakthrough to take hold, the fighting has to stop. The first priority is that fighting must stop. Then, sit down together to address the root causes.
Enough killings, displacement of people and destruction of property.
I call on you, Parliamentarians but also on all the Libyan people, to make all the necessary efforts to ensure that the call for a ceasefire announced in Ghadames is effective.
We know that you do not have direct authority over the armed groups, but strengthening your political institutions will boost your moral authority and will earn you the strong support of the international community.
