Morocco hosts new round of talks between Libya’s High State Council and House of Representatives

Eastern Libya’s House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based High State Council are holding on Dec 18-19 a new round of political consultations in Morocco’s Bouznika, not far from Skhirate where they reached the landmark 2015 deal.

Speaking at the opening of the talks, foreign minister Nasser Bourita welcomed the delegations from the two institutions which, he said, are “indispensable” to break the current political standstill in Libya.

Morocco’s approach to the crisis is based on “non-interference and respect of the willingness of the Libyans,” he said, adding that “Morocco supports the choices of the legitimate Libyan institutions.”

He recalled the breakthrough made by Libyans in Skhirate when they signed nine years ago a political agreement, which “serves as a main referential.”

Libya is undergoing a decisive phase “that requires putting the interest of the nation above all else,” he said.

Bourita also called on participants to recall the spirit of Skhirate marked by patriotism and compromise to overcome all obstacles.

The consultations are taking place in a context marked by unfolding events and non-Arab interferences in Arab affairs, he said, stressing the need for “a government of national unity that the Libyans need to meet their economic and social aspirations as well as stability, in addition to preparing for credible elections that end the duality of some institutions.”

Morocco maintains its steady position that the solution should come from Libyans themselves, he said, noting that the multiple international and regional conferences will not replace the Libyan-Libyan dialogue.