Tripoli, February 19, 2014 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) reaffirms its clear stand of rejecting the threat to use force in the political process, which is contrary to the basic democratic principles.

UNSMIL also reiterates its firm stand of supporting the legitimacy of democratically elected institutions and their role in ensuring the transfer of power to an elected body. In this regard, UNSMIL values the decision by the General National Congress to call for early elections as soon as possible in order to prevent any potential constitutional vacuum.
UNSMIL commends the huge efforts being exerted in and outside the Congress to reach an agreement on the details and mechanisms for holding the elections. It calls upon all Libyans to exert the utmost efforts to deal positively with these endeavors and to give priority to the national interest of Libya in order to maintain the democratic path and the political process, which is in a critical state.

UNSMIL is communicating with all sides to contribute to the efforts aimed at reaching an agreement that ensures the continuation of the democratic path and prevents the country from sliding into chaos and violence. The Mission is fully aware of the importance of achieving progress on the political path without delay or haste. It continues to exert efforts, at the request of the Libyans, without imposing unrealistic dates or time limits on itself or on others. The Mission will remain in all circumstances committed to its principles that are based on the absolute respect for Libya’s sovereignty, its legitimate institutions, its unity, and its stability.

On the eve of the forthcoming elections of the Constitution-Drafting Assembly, UNSMIL congratulates the Libyan people and the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) for this long-awaited achievement. It calls upon all Libyans to contribute positively to this democratic process and to provide the suitable atmosphere for this important event that paves the way towards putting the basic foundations for a modern Libyan State, the state of institutions based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.