By Libya Herald reporter.
Tunis, 17 December 2017:
UN envoy Ghassan Salamé has urged Libya’s various factions to refrain from spoiling the on-going political process. His statement was published on 17 December, and clearly had that date in mind.
There is a view in Libya that 17 December signals the end of the Libyan Political Agreement, not least Khalifa Hafter. Today he declared the LPA over and the Presidency Council no longer legitimate.
“I have also heard from Libyans, across the country, that they are fed up with violence and living in fear. They hope for a political solution, for reconciliation and for harmony. They see the political process as the only path to the stability and the unity of their country,” Salamé said.
“Thus, I urge all parties to heed their voices and refrain from any actions that could undermine the political process,” he added.
Salamé insisted that free and fair elections next year would result in institutional and political normality in Libya.
“It will provide the Libyan people with what they want most – predictable governance, decent living standards and dignity,” he said.
Referring to his Action Plan, Salamé added that UNSMIL was “intensively trying to establish the proper political, legislative and security conditions for elections to be held before the end of 2018”.
He also called on Libyans to register to vote so they could hopefully live in an effective state that provided important services such as security, public health and education.
