United Nations Calls on Libyans to Refrain from Use of Force, Return to Dialogue

18 Feb 2014

United Nations Calls on Libyans to Refrain from Use of Force, Return to Dialogue

Tripoli, 18 February 2014 - The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) calls upon
political parties, the revolutionaries, the activists and personalities to uphold the high
national interest and refrain from resorting to force to resolve political disputes and avert the
risks which could lead the country to slide into lawlessness and chaos.

The Mission is concerned about all the practices that infringe on the rights of Libyans to
express their views and political stances, particularly the violence targeting Media personnel
and institutions.

UNSMIL reiterates its appeal for the swift return to political dialogue that responds to the
will of the Libyans and ensures a peaceful transfer of the powers of the General National
Congress to an elected body.

The Mission also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding legitimacy and refraining from
disrupting the institutions.

It calls on Libyans to give priority to what brings them together
over what drives them apart in order to reach, without delay, a consensus on managing the
transitional phase in what safeguards Libya’s national unity and civil peace.

UNSMIL appeals to all to immediately hold a meeting to prevent the deterioration and work
incessantly towards reaching as soon as possible an agreement that all can publicly commit
to in order spare Libya a grave crisis that threatens its security and stability.