Libyan leaders urged to build a strong, united nation
Tripoli, Feb 18 (IANS) Abdoulaye Bathily, special representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has called on Libyan leaders to come together to build a strong, united and resilient Libya. Bathily emphasized the need for Libyan leaders to acknowledge their responsibility and be held accountable for their decisions and actions, as they directly impact the lives of the Libyan people. He stressed the importance of settling politically contentious issues and agreeing on a way forward to build a strong, united, and resilient Libya.
Bathily warned that the current status quo poses a significant threat to the unity of Libya, as the fragility of its institutions and deep divisions within the nation represent grave risks to its stability. He emphasized the need for a unified government that brings together all regions of the country to rebuild the social fabric and economy, and restore the sovereignty and dignity of the nation.
UNSMIL reiterated its commitment to supporting the Libyan people in their pursuit of peace, justice, legitimate institutions, and inclusive governance. The statement comes on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the February 17 revolution, which marked the end of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime after a conflict with armed rebels.
Since then, Libya has struggled to make a democratic transition, facing political instability and chaos. The country failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled due to disagreements among the Libyan parties over election laws.
The call for unity and resilience from the UN representative comes at a critical time for Libya, as the nation continues to grapple with political challenges and seeks to pave the way for a more stable and united future. Libyan leaders are urged to heed the call and work towards building a stronger and more cohesive nation for the benefit of the Libyan people.
–IANS
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