Tripoli, 11 June 2014 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stresses the importance of holding a dialogue meeting among representatives of Libyan political forces and stakeholders to reach a national agreement, irrespective of their differences and divisions.

The Mission has been exerting efforts in this regard, calling for meetings under various formulas in the past few months, as is the case today, in response to broad Libyan demands and with the support of all concerned Libyan officials.

In accordance with its Security Council mandate and utilizing its good offices, UNSMIL has been keen to continuously consult all concerned and has never been biased towards any political or other actor. Rather, the Mission is, and has always been, extremely committed to respect national sovereignty and to ensure that its endeavours serve the high national interest of Libya, which rise above personal and partisan interests. However, its latest call last week for dialogue over a number of national issues prior to the upcoming elections raised questions and objections with mixed motives and considerations, the intensity of which has escalated.

While UNSMIL understands some of these concerns and emphasizes its respect for different opinions, even if they drift to assumptions and accusations that lack objectivity and fairness, it has to point out that such attitudes are not helpful in launching a dialogue under the current circumstances.

Hence, UNSMIL decided to postpone the meeting it had called for on 18 and 19 June. A new date shall be decided after consulting all concerned actors.

The UN reiterates its commitment to work for the stability of Libya and to ensure the progress in the transitional process and in the building of a state of institutions based on the rule of law.

The Mission once again urges all actors to contribute to providing the suitable political, security and media atmosphere to conduct the elections as scheduled.