UN hosted Libya political talks to open tomorrow in Geneva

In a press release issued today, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it will go forward with planned talks with all major Libyan stakeholders to be held at the UN Office in Geneva on Wednesday , 14 January, in an attempt to reach agreement on how to peacefully manage the remainder of the transitional period.

“UNSMIL views this new round of dialogue as providing a key opportunity for the Libyan parties to engage in a political process that paves the way towards breaking the political deadlock underlying the political crisis and institutional crisis that have engulfed the country,” the Mission explained.

“In launching this new round of talks, UNSMIL reminds all parties that dialogue is an inclusive and transparent process that is driven by the higher Libyan national interest, including safeguarding the country’s national unity and territorial integrity.”

The move follows a recent outburst of violence which has further rattled the beleaguered nation, in conflict since the beginning of its civil war in 2011 which resulted in the ouster of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

In addition to mounting numbers of casualties, the continuing fighting has also caused a humanitarian crisis with at least 120,000 people forced to flee their homes, resulting in consequent shortages in both food and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Benghazi, an uptick in violence has seen 450 people killed since October as residents continue to face shortages in medical care. Moreover, upwards of 15,000 families – some 90,000 people – have been displaced.

UNSMIL voiced hope that the planned talks would manage to secure the necessary arrangements for bringing about a total cessation of armed hostilities while also encouraging a phased withdrawal of all armed groups from all major towns and cities, including the capital, Tripoli, in order to allow the Government to reassert its authority over institutions and strategic installations.

Among those invited to the upcoming first round of political talks, the UN Mission said it had called upon political and civil society representatives to also attend. Meanwhile, subsequent rounds, potentially scheduled for next week, would include representatives from selected municipalities from across the country.

“A process like this cannot satisfy everyone in everything,” the UNSMIL press release continued.

“But what is important is that the Libyans seize this opportunity and take the necessary risks for peace by joining these talks, for they will be certain to achieve more by participating rather than by staying away.”