The UN envoy called in his speech at the meeting of the Joint Military Commission (5+5) in Benghazi on military and security leaders to show commitment to ensuring a suitable environment for elections and to cooperate in the efforts to relegate the detainees from both sides.
Abdoulaye Bathily said: "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."
He also urged the attendees not to let down their own people and the children of Libya who aspire for a safer and more prosperous future through this irreversible path to peace, saying let's close all doors to conflict and have the doors wide open for constructive dialogue and reconciliation. He said that in this holy month of compassion and forgiveness - Ramadan -, he expected the leaders to demonstrate fraternity and historical unity by putting practical steps for the safe return of the Internally Displaced Persons and the release of detainees.
"I count on your cooperation for creating 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 shaping a conducive political environment and committing to secure, free and fair elections in 2023, and to endorse the results. Your efforts in contributing today, and further supporting the national reconciliation process, are also much appreciated at this critical phase." Bathily explained.
Further explaining his initiative, Bathily said that in addition to the facilitation and the adoption of the legal framework and time-bound path to the holding of elections in 2023, it is meant to also provide a platform to advance consensus around related matters.
"One of these important matters is the security of elections and people including female candidates and voters so that they can exercise their political rights with no fear. Your renewed commitment to me, and also to the people of Libya, to ensure conducive security environment before, during and after elections as well as acceptance of elections results, must be clearly demonstrated." He added.
"This meeting tonight is the symbol of unity and a symbol of a new Libya – a sovereign Libya. I reiterate the call I made to the mayors and call upon you to play your part in enabling the holding of free and fair elections this year. I would like to build on our meeting today and bring further progress to feature in my upcoming briefing to the Security Council scheduled in about 10 days from now." Bathily said, adding that he will continue to work with all stakeholders to restore hope among all Libyans.
