As Libyan political talks resume, UN envoy urges parties to set aside differences, agree unity government
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 27 August 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, As Libyan political talks resume, UN envoy urges parties to set aside differences, agree unity government, 27 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55e0171740c.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
27 August 2015 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced that a round of Libyan political dialogue began today in Skhirat, Morocco, with discussions expected to focus on expediting the process towards finalizing the Libyan Political Agreement, including reaching agreement on a Government of National Accord.
In a statement UNSMIL explained that it has been informed by the GNC (Libyan General National Congress) that its team will not be attending this round of talks in Skhirat, explaining that it needs to reorganize its negotiating team following the resignation of two members.
"The GNC assured UNSMIL that it remains committed to the dialogue process and will participate in the next session," said the statement, adding that the Mission will continue its contacts with the GNC to ensure its effective participation in the process.
The statement goes on to echo comments made by Mission chief Bernardino León in his briefing to the UN Security Council yesterday on the situation in Libya, saying that time is running out as the country faces growing challenges, including the continuing suffering of the people as a result of the conflict, the expanding Da'esh terrorist (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL) danger and the threat of economic collapse.
He said that the Libyan dialogue has entered its "final phase" and the talks over seven months have come a long way in narrowing the differences between the parties.
"The onus is on Libya's leaders on all sides, and at all levels, to set aside their differences, put the supreme interest of their country before any other consideration and make that final push towards peace," said Mr. León, adding that UNSMIL will intensify its contacts with the Libyan stakeholders in the coming days towards this end.
