The Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the U.S. issued a joint statement yesterday in support of SRSG / UNSMIL head Bathily’s efforts for elections. The statement read:
”The Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the U.S. support the SRSG’s efforts to engage all Libyan institutions and key stakeholders, building on the work of the 6+6 committee, including by addressing all contested elements of the electoral framework in order to make it implementable, securing the necessary inclusive political agreement on the path to elections, and enabling a level playing field for all candidates.
The P3+2 stress that discussions on the way forward must be part of the wider UN-facilitated political negotiation. The focus of Libya’s leaders must be on action to respond to the Libyan people’s continuous demands for national presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible.
We reiterate the need for all players to engage constructively with SRSG Bathily towards securing the necessary political, security and legal environment in order to meet that demand.”
UNSMIL warns against unilateral acts
The joint statement comes on the back of an UNSMIL statement yesterday warning the House of Representatives (HoR) and High State Council (HSC), without naming them, against any unilateral measures or an attempt to undermine the aspirations of Libyans to hold national elections. It warned of dire consequences for Libya as a result of any unilateral initiatives to address the political deadlock.
This came after the HoR announced its approval of the Road Map approved by the 6 + 6 Committee. The 6 + 6 Committee was, it will be recalled, formed by the HoR and the HSC to draft election laws. But it also announced the opening of the door for nominations for a new government. It is this, yet another, interim government that UNSMIL and the international community object to.
The status quo political entities (HoR and HSC) are attempting to delay the holding of elections and claim that elections can only be held if, and, when a unified government is in office.
It will be recalled that the HoR does not recognise the Tripoli-based Libyan government led by Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba and has formed its own government based in the east.
