TRIPOLI, 3 December 2022 - Since my arrival in Libya, I have called on political actors to accelerate discussions on the way forward in the political process, and to create the conditions for the holding of free and fair elections, on the basis of a sound constitutional basis. I have strongly encouraged Libyan leaders to hold meetings inside the country, which would send a strong signal to the population that they have the country’s interests at heart.  Most meetings between Libyan actors should take place on the Libyan land as it is the most adequate venue for deliberations among the citizens at all levels.

I was therefore pleased to hear that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Agila Saleh, and the President of the High State Council (HSC), Mr. Khaled Al-Meshri, had agreed to a meeting under UN auspices, in the city of Zintan, on 4 December, with the sole purpose of setting in motion a process towards the holding of elections, including the finalization of the constitutional basis.

For logistical reasons beyond our control, this important meeting for the resumption of the political dialogue between the HoR and the HCS cannot take place in Zintan.

I urge all Libyan institutions, including the Presidential Council, the HoR and the HSC to engage in dialogue in search for a solution and the acceleration of on-going efforts. I further urge the HoR and the HCS to agree on a mutually acceptable location and date for their meeting, which should come up with concrete, implementable and timebound proposals for a consensual way out of this crisis. I also call on Libyans from all walks of life and from all regions of Libya, as well as public institutions, including the Presidential Council, Judiciary and Security Institutions, to make their voices and concerns heard through democratic and transparent procedures in a concerted effort to end the current deadlock. The people of Libya deserve the opportunity to cast their ballot and chose their future leaders.

The UN reiterates its readiness to provide our good offices to ensure a successful outcome to the meeting, which must provide answers to the growing frustrations and aspirations of the more than 2.8 million registered voters and allow them to bestow legitimacy to the future leaders and institutions of this country. Legitimate leaders bring trust in the political process and generate peace, stability and opportunity for economic ,social and cultural wellbeing for all including women and youth.