Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The 5+5 Joint Military Committee and the leaders of the Libyan security and military units met in Benghazi under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. This came 12 days after a similar meeting in Tripoli, in line with what was agreed upon in Tunisia and Tripoli last month. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Abdullah Batili, said in the meeting that took place on Friday that this meeting between brothers and colleagues is of utmost importance, as it strengthens the path of reconciliation and establishes the continuity of He added, "In the framework of my comprehensive approach to addressing the intractable crisis in Libya, I intend, during the next two days, to visit the city of Sebha to ensure the participation of parties from all parts of Libya in drawing the path towards a way out of this crisis."
As we continue to have these meetings, more leaders are joining us each time. This is an indication that the feeling of inclusivity and reconciliation has begun to settle in the souls, and has begun to break with the painful path that has prevailed in the country so far, and to create an alternative path that revives hope among Libyan women and men. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the collective efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee, which strives to engage all key security and military actors in order to promote peace and stability in Libya. And in his speech, which was published on the website of the United Nations Support Mission in You know that I have just returned from my first official tour in the neighboring countries of southern Libya, Sudan, Chad and Niger. This tour falls within the framework of mobilizing support for the efforts of the Joint Military Committee and the communication committees from the four countries. In Khartoum, as in N'Djamena and Niamey, I met the heads of these countries, the ministers of defense and interior, and other senior officials, and discussed with all of them the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya. It can be said that the tour was successful given the challenges ahead, including the various motives behind the presence of armed groups in Libya. There was agreement among all the leaders with whom I spoke on the importance of a coordinated, sequential, simultaneous and balanced withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, including It does not cause negative effects on the countries of origin. We all know that fully resolving the Libyan crisis and putting an end to the current political stalemate requires time, perseverance and patience. However, I am sure that continued coordination and cooperation between you represents an opportunity to continue dialogue, build confidence, and exchange views on how to provide a solid basis for a political settlement that culminates in resolving the Libyan crisis by creating an environment conducive to holding comprehensive, free and fair elections in 2023. Your insistence on supporting The good offices of the United Nations to resolve the current crisis, and your commitment to ending division and moving steadily towards inclusive elections is required. With that determination and commitment, you support your people and your country. You share the responsibility with various other political leaders, and civil society actors, to create a peaceful environment, and to secure a stable and prosperous future for everyone in Libya. This national orientation, which you have chosen, should not be derailed by the polarizing rhetoric that some tend to promote. Stay united and continue your unity for the sake of your country. Peace, stability, development and prosperity are the fruits of true reconciliation, good intentions, and making concessions to some for the common good and for the entire nation. At the same time, the intensification of enmity and hatred, and the continuation of conflict and wars mean nothing but the destruction of the country and the loss of more lives.
Two days ago, I was overjoyed to see mayors from all over the country gathered to discuss matters of the future, development and prosperity. In my address to them, I said to them, and I repeat to you tonight, “Ten years of conflict is enough! Ten years of this crisis is enough! We must usher in a new era of comprehensive national reconciliation in all regions of Libya, so that Libyan men and women talk to each other as brothers and sisters. The time has come to create the conditions for the restoration and renaissance of Libya.”
This meeting tonight is a symbol of unity, a symbol of the new Libya - a sovereign Libya.
I repeat my appeal to mayors and invite you to play your part in enabling Libya to hold free and fair elections this year. I look forward to building on our meeting today for further progress to be included in my upcoming briefing to the UN Security Council, which I will be delivering in 10 days from now.
I will continue to work with all parties to revive hope in the hearts of all Libyan women and men, whose eyes are turned tonight on Benghazi and on you. I urge you not to fail the people and children of Libya, your children who aspire to a more secure and prosperous future by continuing on the path of peace, without retreat or regression. .
Let us close all doors of conflict and open wide the gates of dialogue, construction and reconciliation.
My initiative aims, in addition to facilitating the adoption of the legal framework and the adoption of a time-bound path for holding elections in 2023, to provide a platform for strengthening consensus on issues related to electoral entitlement. An important issue is the security of the elections and of individuals, including women candidates and voters, so that they can exercise their political rights without fear. Renewing your commitment to me, and above all your commitment to the Libyan people, to ensuring a conducive security environment preceding, accompanying and following the elections, as well as your commitment to accepting the results of the elections must be clearly highlighted. I count on your cooperation in creating the necessary conditions for peace and stability in Libya. I hope that during this meeting you will be able to move forward towards adopting a code of conduct that outlines an enabling political environment, committed to securing free and fair elections in 2023 and endorsing their results. Your contributions today, and your continued support for the national reconciliation process, are greatly appreciated at this crucial juncture.