The Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Stephanie Koury, said on X that she had separate phone calls with Khalid Al-Mishri and Mohammed Takala – rivals for the presidency of the High Council of State (HCS).
Koury explained that the calls discussed the ongoing crisis surrounding the presidency of the High Council of State. She said she had expressed her regret that the divisions within the HCS became entrenched, creating a significant barrier to its ability to fulfill its duties.
“I urged both parties to pursue a consensual solution, without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing judicial process.” Koury added and said: “UNSMIL remains committed to engaging all stakeholders with the aim of preserving the unity and integrity of the HCS.”
The "battle for the presidency" of the HCS was renewed after a session of elections was held last Tuesday at the invitation of Mohamed Takala, who was elected by 55 members as president, while his competitor Naima Al-Hami received eight votes, and five members voted for Idris Abu Fayed, in addition to two blank papers.
Meanwhile, Al-Mishri confirmed his adherence to the judicial path during a meeting held on Wednesday, adding that the participants "reaffirmed their rejection of a number of members holding a session in violation of the laws of the HCS, rejecting the results". He added that the meeting also addressed the call made by a number of HCS members to find a consensual solution to the crisis with Takala.
