By Libya Herald reporters.
Tunis, 2 July 2017:
Libyans could scrap the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) if they wanted to, said retiring UNSMIL chief Martin Kobler, and renegotiate for another year, maybe less, maybe more, but they could also build on it.
In his valedictory message as a voice over to a three minute film of highlights from his 17 months in the post, the German UN diplomat said that the LPA should be reshaped to address the concerns of everyone in Libya.
“Please remember that this agreement was only meant as a guide through a transitional period, a short period and never to replace a constitution” he said, “Your rights and your concerns can only be addressed in the constitution.”
For him, he said it was time to say goodbye to a country that he loved very much and to thank people for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
“I also want to express my admiration for your determination and the sacrifices you have made in pursuit of freedom and a better life. Like Hisham Mather has said ‘Dreams have consequences’ and dreams have to be transformed into reality now.
“It will not come overnight but that is the task that you have ahead of you … Your determination is too strong to break, your perseverance and courage are too strong to fail.
He said that Libya’s young men and women, who were the country’s greatest resource, should not give in to frustration and despair. “Stay united. Let your voice be heard and fight to shape your dream.”
He stressed that the UN and his colleagues would always stand with Libyans as the UN had done on the country’s path to independence and statehood.
Over a shot of him climbing aboard the white UN aeroplane on which has criss-crossed the country, Kobler concluded “ My time with you leaves me assured of one thing: it is inevitable that you shall succeed in building a nation that you and your children will be proud of. I look forward to seeing this day very soon”.
