The UN Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, described the meeting of military and security leaders from the east and west of the country in Benghazi as a symbol of the unity and sovereignty of a new Libya, urging the participants not to let down the people and children of Libya—your children—who aspire for a safer and more prosperous future through this irreversible path to peace.
“We all know that the full resolution of the Libyan crisis and the current political stalemate needs time, perseverance, and patience, However, I am sure your continued coordination and cooperation represent a great opportunity to sustain dialogue, to build trust, and to exchange views on how to provide a solid foundation for a political resolution that culminates in resolving the Libyan crisis through creating a conducive environment for inclusive, free, and fair elections in 2023,” stressing the participants’ determination to support the UN’s good offices, to resolve the current crisis, and their commitment to end division and proceed steadily towards inclusive elections are needed, with this determination and commitment, the participants support the Libyans and their homeland.
Bathily warned the military and security leaders that they share responsibility with all other political leaders and civil society actors for crafting a peaceful environment for all people in Libya to secure a stable and prosperous future, adding that the patriotic path you chose to take must not be deterred by polarized discourse that some tend to promote, urging them to keep united and continue to be united for Libya.
“Peace, stability, development, and prosperity are the fruits of true reconciliation, good will, and real compromise from the few to the greater good of the whole nation. At the same time, enmity, hatred, conflict, and wars are all about destroying nations as well as souls.” Bathily said.
I count on your cooperation to create the necessary conditions for peace and stability in Libya. I hope that during this meeting you will be able to move forward and agree to adopt a pact of honor, shape a conducive political environment, commit to secure, free, and fair elections in 2023, and endorse the results. Today, your contributions and your further support for the national reconciliation process are also much appreciated at this critical phase.” he added.
“Let’s close all doors to conflict and have the doors wide open for constructive dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.
Bathily expressed his aspiration to build on the meeting and bring further progress, to include his upcoming briefing to the UN Security Council, scheduled in about 10 days from now, stressing that he will continue to work with all parties to restore hope among all Libyans whose eyes are fixed on Benghazi, and to the audience.
Source: Libyan News Agency
