TRIPOLI, 05 January 2023 - UNSMIL takes note of the joint statement of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High Council of State regarding their discussions in Cairo today.

UNSMIL strongly encourages the two chambers to now swiftly reach a complete and final agreement including on the contentious issues to finalize the steps required to take the country to inclusive national elections within a specific timeframe.

UNSMIL reiterates the obligations of political leaders in Libya to demonstrate a genuine and continuous commitment towards achieving a lasting peace by building on previous agreements of the HoR and HCS aimed at resolving the political crisis through elections as soon as possible.

The Mission’s position remains clear that a national compromise is urgently needed to establish a clear pathway to elections with a specific timeline to open a new era for Libya, its neighbours and the region.

The Libyan people need and deserve to choose their leadership with legitimacy restored to state institutions without further delay. 

UNSMIL, in line with its mandate, remains ready to support genuine initiatives aimed at achieving a national consensus towards a Libyan-Libyan solution to the protracted political crisis.