The US ambassador and special envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, met Wednesday with a number of Libya presidential elections' candidates in Tripoli in the presence of Presidential Council Deputy Head, Mossa Al-Koni, UK, Italy and France ambassadors as well as representatives of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The US embassy commented on the meeting and said that it came in the wake of the Paris Conference on Libya to focus on the approaching elections set for December 24, reiterating that the presidential elections will be the first in Libya’s history.
Speaking about the visit, ambassador Norland said the United States stands on the side of the majority of Libyans who want elections and want their chance to cast a vote for their country’s future.
"We are working with the international community and Libyan partners to support this process for free and fair elections with broad participation by voters." He added.
He also said he was fortunate to meet a few of the presidential candidates in Tripoli, but insisted that they do not favor any candidate.
"Today represents the start of a process in which voters can learn accurate information about candidates and issues in order to make a well-informed choice. Along with other international partners who joined us today, we hope to meet other candidates and to facilitate efforts that help voters make informed choices in the best interests of their country.” Norland added.
