The US ambassador and special envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, said the main goal for Washington in Libya is to help hold free and fair elections whose results are accepted by Libyans and assist authorities in removing all foreign forces and mercenaries in whatever way they find suitable so the country can regain sovereignty.
Norland told Asharq Al-Awsat that Libya has one interim government: the Government of National Unity; and its primary task is to lead the country to December 24 elections, stressing that the no-confidence vote by the House of Representatives won't change the government’s tasks.
He said all stakeholders are aware that elections must be held on time and the international community, especially the US, will do their best to support elections in Libya, adding - regarding the US two-stage elections proposal - that Libyans alone can decide the structure of elections and political future whether in one or two rounds.
Norland denied that the US is betting on or supporting a certain candidate for Libyan presidential elections, saying Libyans are the ones entitled to select their leaders without foreign intervention.
The US ambassador reiterated the importance of forming a strong Libyan government that can control all of Libyan cities and borders and achieve economic growth and political stability to deny all kinds of terrorism and extremism all chances of surfacing in Libya.
