Timely elections, political solutions to differences vital for Libya to move forward – Ban
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 12 June 2014 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Timely elections, political solutions to differences vital for Libya to move forward – Ban, 12 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/539aba8c4.html [accessed 30 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. |
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged all Libyans to remain engaged in the search for political solutions to resolve differences, while stressing the importance of the peaceful and timely holding of legislative elections later this month.
Libya, which has been undergoing a democratic transition since the toppling in 2011 of former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi, has recently witnessed political tensions as well as major security developments, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
Against this backdrop, the North African nation is preparing, with UN technical support, for the election on 25 June of the 200-member Council of Representatives that will succeed the General National Congress.
"The Secretary-General continues to follow closely the situation in Libya and stresses the importance of the peaceful and timely holding of elections on 25 June," his spokesperson said in a statement.
Mr. Ban also reaffirmed the important role of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in providing technical assistance in support of building and reforming State institutions, and commended its work in the areas of good offices and facilitation of dialogue, which it carries out with impartiality and openness to all national parties concerned.
"He encourages all Libyans to remain engaged in the search for political solutions that would respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people," the spokesperson added.
UNSMIL, for its part, today stressed the importance of holding a national dialogue meeting irrespective of differences and divisions seen among representatives of the Libyan political parties.
"The Mission understands some of the concerns and emphasizes respect for different opinions but continues to urge all parties to work together to ensure a suitable political, and security environment to conduct the upcoming elections," it stated in a news release, adding that it has postponed the dialogue meeting scheduled for 18 and 19 June.
