Arab and Western nations have expressed support for progress facilitated by the United Nations mission in Libya, leading to a compromise between Libyan factions on appointing new leadership for the Central Bank of Libya (CBL).
The move is viewed as a significant step in addressing the economic fallout from the country's recent crisis, and countries have called for the immediate resumption of oil production.
In a joint statement from the governments of the United States and Italy, senior officials from Algeria, Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Kingdom also participated in talks, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions focused on Libya's ongoing political impasse and the growing divisions within the country.
The statement stressed that Libya's oil resources should benefit all citizens and urged all parties to allow the full restoration of oil production without interference. It also called for oil and gas revenues to be managed in a transparent and accountable manner under effective Libyan oversight.
Additionally, the statement reaffirmed international support for Libya's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, along with backing the ceasefire agreement of October 23, 2020, which includes the withdrawal of mercenaries from Libyan territory.
The countries involved welcomed a briefing from Stephanie Koury, acting head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who outlined ongoing efforts to promote dialogue between Libyan parties, aiming to end institutional fragmentation and pave the way for elections. The focus remains on finalizing a roadmap for free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.
The UN announced on Thursday that representatives from Libya's House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS) had reached an agreement to resolve the crisis surrounding the CBL.
