US threatens to reconsider relationship with those who impede progress towards Libya's political solutions
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The US special envoy and ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, has said that his country could re-evaluate its relations with actors and institutions that are delaying and impeding progress towards political solutions, warning that the status quo cannot be maintained.
This came in a statement from the US embassy about Ambassador Norland's visit to the capital, Tripoli, from 8 to 10 November during which he held meetings with government officials, international partners and the donor community.
They included representatives of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, the UN Support Mission in Libya, the World Bank, the Presidential Council, the High Council of State and the High National Electoral Commission.
During his visit, the US envoy stressed the urgent need to take concrete steps to establish a constitutional basis for credible and transparent elections in line with the aspirations of the Libyan people, calling on all Libyan leaders and institutions to use their influence to advance this goal.
The stalemate in the organisation of the elections is due to disagreements between the Parliament and the High Council of State on the eligibility of the military officers and dual nationals to contest the election.
The US Special Envoy welcomed the recent unanimously agreed extension of the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya as an opportunity to redefine a credible roadmap for the holding of elections.
It reiterated the United States' support for the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, Abdoulaye Bathily, in his mission, and the right of the Libyan people to live in a democratic and sovereign state defended by a unified people and an army that is not dependent on foreign powers.
The statement stressed that the ongoing threat to cut off oil production sites, the recent clashes between militias and the popular anger over the publication of the Audit Office's report, all point to the need for greater financial transparency and accountability for the benefit and prosperity of all Libyans.
The US diplomat stressed that the United States has chosen Libya as a key country in its strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability and is committed to partnering with Libyans to support a more stable and prosperous future, led by an elected and unified government that provides needed services and builds on the country's natural resources.
-0- PANA BY/IS/BBA/MA 10Nov2022
