Bouznika inter-Libyan dialogue, a ‘real opportunity’ to put an end to a long conflict – UN Envoy

The inter-Libyan dialogue sessions held in Bouznika with a view to reaching a political solution to the Libyan crisis, constitute “a real opportunity to put a definitive end to this long conflict,” said Monday the acting UN envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, who renewed thanks to Morocco for its efforts to facilitate dialogue between the Libyan parties.

 

In a video press conference following a dialogue session between delegations from the High Council of State and the Libyan House of Representatives, the UN envoy said: “I would like to thank the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this meeting,” part of the UN-led mission to find a political solution to the conflict.

 

The meetings in Morocco, in addition to the discussions held in Switzerland, to provide recommendations on crucial and necessary issues for the political resolution of the Libyan crisis, have “greatly contributed to creating this unique opportunity to revive the Libyan political dialogue,” she said.

 

The UN official said she is satisfied with the meeting, around the same table in Bouznika, of the two delegations, in order to reach an agreement on criteria for the selection of sovereign positions, in accordance with the provisions of the Skhirat agreement concluded in December 2015. She called on the parties to continue their efforts to achieve this goal.

 

Stephanie Williams, who praised the “tireless efforts” made to help resolve the Libyan crisis, described the cessation of hostilities and direct clashes between the two sides in recent months as “encouraging”. However, she said the cessation of hostilities may not be sustainable if the Libyan protagonists do not reach a permanent ceasefire agreement and a comprehensive political solution to the crisis as soon as possible.

 

She stressed that the resolution of this crisis remains a top priority for the United Nations, given the “very difficult” conditions in which Libyans are living because of the continuing conflict.

 

Williams called for a comprehensive political agreement that meets the aspirations of all Libyan parties and sets Libya on the path to peace, stability and development.

 

She also urged all Libyans to continue to work in support of the ceasefire and political dialogue, while promoting the interests of the country and the Libyan people with a view to restoring Libya’s legitimacy and sovereignty and building a democratic State.

 

After the first round of inter-Libyan dialogue held in Bouznika September 6-10, representatives of the Libyan High Council of State and the Tobruk-based House of Representatives are holding a second round of talks since October 3.

 

During the first round, the Libyan parties reached a “comprehensive agreement” on criteria for the selection of sovereign positions and vowed to hold further discussions to reach a political solution to end the conflict.

 

On Monday, the representatives of the Libyan parties called on international parties involved in the Berlin process to support the Bouznika talks.

 

The delegations underlined that the inter-Libyan dialogue in Morocco has achieved “positive results.”

 

The dialogue sessions Morocco hosted were “dominated by a positive atmosphere and a spirit of optimism, which resulted in the unification of visions regarding the criteria related” to the sovereign institutions in Libya.