Libyan Political Dialogue Round Commences Today in Morocco

15 Apr 2015

Libyan Political Dialogue Round Commences Today in Morocco

Skhirat, Morocco, 15 April 2015 – A round of Libyan political dialogue, hosted by Morocco and facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) with the aim of ending the political crisis and military conflict in the country, commenced in Skhirat, Morocco, on Wednesday 15 April 2015.

Significant progress has been achieved in earlier rounds, the last of which ended 26 March. Since then, participants had the opportunity to consult with their constituencies and key stakeholders on a proposal on a comprehensive solution to end the conflict in Libya.

Participants are expected to present their remarks regarding the overall framework outlined in the "Draft Agreement on the Political Transition in Libya", which includes the key issues of forming a government of national concord and security arrangements, including a ceasefire and withdrawal of armed groups from the cities.

UNSMIL believes this round may be decisive in consolidating the significant progress achieved so far. The Mission is confident that the Libyan participants are coming to the talks in a spirit of reconciliation and determination to reach a political agreement to bring peace and stability to Libya.

The Mission reiterates that the dialogue process has created an important opportunity for Libyans to stop the bloodshed and end their suffering, and urges the Libyans to seize this opportunity in order to put their country back on the road to stability and prosperity.

UNSMIL calls all parties in Libya to uphold their country's higher national interest, and reminds them that there can be no military solution to the current conflict in Libya, nor can there be any winners. This sentiment has been repeatedly echoed by all segments of the Libyan population.

For this, the Mission reiterates its call on the parties to refrain from taking any military action or decisions that could undermine the dialogue process, and allow it to move forward in a conducive environment.

UNSMIL expresses its deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for the strong support accorded to the dialogue efforts and for generously hosting the meetings.