TRIPOLI – During an introductory meeting with Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya Hanna S. Tetteh, thirty representatives of Libyan political parties expressed their concerns over the ongoing political stalemate and emphasized the urgent need to unify state institutions and accelerate the political process, and rationalize resource management.

Participants enquired regarding the work of the Advisory Committee and urged UNSMIL to ensure that the voices of all political actors were included in future political processes. They highlighted the risks of continued delays and called for a comprehensive approach to the holding of elections.

SRSG Tetteh underlined the inclusive nature of the UN’s engagement, reiterating the importance of national consensus and hoped that the political parties act as positive agents of change at all levels, including in their communities.

“Political parties and community leaders can play an important leading role in mitigating the escalation of violence, including in their communities,” said SRSG Tetteh. The SRSG also emphasized the importance of maintaining and securing stability and that elections are a milestone towards that call.

She proposed follow-up continued discussions with political parties to deepen dialogue and build common ground.

SRSG Tetteh stressed the need to find political consensus to avoid further division and asked for recommendations from parties on ways to ensure that there was a sustained effort towards establishing a strong democracy, peace and stability and that elections were a part of that process.