Algiers, Algeria 14 April 2015 - A second meeting of Libyan political parties and activists, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), concluded its deliberations today in the Algerian capital by reiterating the commitment to the political dialogue as the only option to resolve the crisis in Libya, and by supporting all efforts in this regard.

At the opening session on 13 April jointly presided over by the Algerian Minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of UNSMIL, Bernardino Leon, updated the participants on the various tracks of the Libyan political dialogue process.

Mr. Leon welcomed the broadened scope of the meeting in Algiers, and noted that the participation of new personalities from across the diverse political and social spectrum could only enrich the on-going discussion and overall dialogue process. He commended the courage, determination and positive spirit of all men and women participants to work together to reach an agreement on comprehensive solutions for the huge challenges facing Libya.

Reaffirming their commitment to the principles that they endorsed in their closing statement at the end of their previous round of talks in Algiers on 11 March, participants expressed deep disappointment with the continuing fighting and violence in various areas across Libya.

In this regard, participants reaffirmed their call to all parties to immediately halt armed hostilities and create a conducive environment for the Libyan dialogue, and stressed that a comprehensive solution for the crisis in Libya can only be achieved through dialogue.

Participants reaffirmed their grave concern over the escalation of terrorist acts, which threatens national security and social peace. They underscored the need for concerted efforts to combat all forms and manifestations of terrorism as represented by Ansar Al-Sharia, DAESH and Al-Qaeda regardless of its motives, and to put an end to terrorism before it expands and spreads to the extent where it becomes difficult to eradicate. In addition, they stressed the need to take all necessary steps to combat terrorist threats in Libya in accordance with Libyan legislations and international law. Participants also condemned the repeated attacks against diplomatic missions and civilian installations in Libya.

Participants expressed the need for all other tracks, which articulate the views and tendencies of broad and diverse sections of the Libyan people, to join efforts in support of the main political track that aims to reach a comprehensive solution for all political and security aspects of the crisis in Libya.

Expressing broad support for the overall framework outlined in the “Draft Agreement on the Political Transition in Libya”, participants put forward a number of constructive and positive ideas to enhance the draft agreement. They also underlined the importance of reaching a comprehensive solution for all manifestations of the crisis in Libya, including political and security aspects. Additionally, they stressed the need to expedite the agreement on the formation of the government of national concord through an agreed action programme and interim security arrangements that include a ceasefire, withdrawal of armed formations from towns, residential areas and vital installations, as well as monitoring arrangements for the removal and collection of arms and ammunition through clear monitoring and verification mechanisms, and the dissolution of all armed groups according to a national plan on disarmament, demobilization and integration in civil and security institutions. In this regard, participants underscored the primary responsibility of the State in implementing the security arrangements outlined in the draft political agreement, and the need for clear guarantees for the implementation of the agreement.

Underscoring the importance of the principle of inclusivity, the meeting stressed the need for adequate mechanisms to engage all segments and components of the Libyan people as equal partners in the efforts to rebuild the new Libya. Participants affirmed the need to promote policies that respect diversity and denounce all kinds of discrimination and exclusion.

Participants called on all parties to redouble their efforts and mobilize quickly to alleviate the humanitarian suffering endured by a large segment of the Libyan people, especially displaced persons and refugees, and to take the necessary steps to address problems relating to the delivery of basic services and humanitarian aid.

Participants condemned all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and specifically noted the need to find a prompt solution for those detained outside the law and abductees.

Participants stressed the pivotal role that the media play in creating a supportive environment for the dialogue. They called on the Libyan media outlets to refrain from broadcasting reports that incite violence and fighting, and invited them to play a positive role by supporting the unity of Libya and its people, and by upholding the values of harmony and respect of human rights and the state of law and institutions.

Participants underscored the key role of international and regional organizations, in addition to that of neighboring countries, in supporting the dialogue and providing the needed guarantees for its implementation and for committing to it.

Noting Algeria’s efforts in support of the UNSMIL-facilitated political dialogue process, participants expressed gratitude for Algeria’s gracious hosting of the two-day meeting in Algiers, and for its continuous support to bring peace to Libya. Participants look forward for the convening of a new round in Algiers in the near future to resume their deliberations and work.