As Libyan political talks resume, UN envoy urges parties to set aside differences, agree unity government

In a statement UNSMIL explained that it has been informed by the GNC (Libyan General National Congress) that its team will not be attending this round of talks in Skhirat, explaining that it needs to reorganize its negotiating team following the resignation of two members.

“The GNC assured UNSMIL that it remains committed to the dialogue process and will participate in the next session,” said the statement, adding that the Mission will continue its contacts with the GNC to ensure its effective participation in the process.

The statement goes on to echo comments made by Mission chief Bernardino León in his briefing to the UN Security Council yesterday on the situation in Libya, saying that time is running out as the country faces growing challenges, including the continuing suffering of the people as a result of the conflict, the expanding Da’esh terrorist (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL) danger and the threat of economic collapse.

He said that the Libyan dialogue has entered its “final phase” and the talks over seven months have come a long way in narrowing the differences between the parties.

“The onus is on Libya’s leaders on all sides, and at all levels, to set aside their differences, put the supreme interest of their country before any other consideration and make that final push towards peace,” said Mr. León, adding that UNSMIL will intensify its contacts with the Libyan stakeholders in the coming days towards this end.


Photo: UNSMIL