The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has urged the political leaders in Libya to expedite agreement on complete, final, and time-bound arrangements in order to move the country towards elections within a specific timeframe.

In a statement, the mission said it takes note of the joint statement of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High Council of State regarding their discussions in Cairo on Thursday.

"UNSMIL reiterates the obligations of political leaders in Libya to demonstrate a genuine and continuous commitment towards achieving a lasting peace by building on previous agreements of the HoR and HCS aimed at resolving the political crisis through elections as soon as possible."

It reiterated the urgent need for a national settlement to set a pathway to elections "with a specific timeline," declaring a new era for Libya, its neighbours, and the region.

The UNSMIL supported the Libyan people's right to choose their leaders with legitimacy restored to state institutions without further delay.

It also confirmed its readiness to support initiatives aimed at achieving a national consensus that would pave the way for an inter-Libyan solution to the country's political crisis.