UNSMIL holds the first virtual meeting of the second round of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum

23 Nov 2020

UNSMIL holds the first virtual meeting of the second round of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum

Monday, 23 November 2020 - The Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Mission Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Williams convened today the first virtual meeting of the second round of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to discuss the selection criteria of the unified executive authorities for the preparatory period preceding the elections.

In her opening remarks, ASRSG Williams welcomed the progress made in the first in-person round in Tunisia, especially the consensual agreement on a roadmap for the preparatory period and on setting a date for the national elections to be held on December 24, 2021. “You made significant steps forward and raised the Libyan people's hopes and expectations for the holding of national elections. There is much work left to be done to alleviate the suffering of Libyans," ASRSG Williams said, addressing the participants.

Responding to participants’ concerns over threats and reputational-damage campaigns on social media, ASRSG Williams highlighted that UNSMIL does not tolerate the use of hate speech and incitement to violence that targets LPDF members.  She reported that the Mission has reported a number of such posts for removal and will continue to do so. Regarding allegations of bribery, the ASRSG announced that these reports have been referred to the UN Panel of Experts, given that such activities, if proven to have occurred, could constitute obstruction of the political process and be subject to sanctions.  She also noted that the Mission had been in touch with the Libyan Acting Attorney General to address the issue.  She reassured the participants that, “As soon as we have any information with regard to these allegations, you will be the first to know.”

The second round adjourned to Wednesday 25 November 2020 to allow participants to study the selection options presented in today’s meeting.