By Libya Herald reporters.
Tripoli, 1 November 2015:
UNSMIL chief Bernadino Leon is to continue with the Peace process, even though his replacement, . . .[restrict]veteran German diplomat Martin Kobler is waiting in the wings to take over.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday sought to clarify the position of two men following reports that Kobler was about to assume Leon’s role.
Ban explained in a statement “Continuity will be paramount in any leadership transition”.
He said that Leon remained fully engaged on his behalf on the Dialogue. He added that he had full confidence in Leon’s efforts to form a government of national accord as soon as possible.
Leon had originally been due to leave as Ban’s special representative and UNSMIL chief in August, but had asked to stay on when it seemed that the dialogue was entering its final stages.
For those rejecting the final draft and the presidential council under premier-designate Faiez Serraj, Leon is seen as part of the problem. Calls for his departure, in both the east and the west of the country, have often been strident and rudely to the point. [/restrict]
