Libyan leaders Sadam Haftar and Osama Hamad have welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. In a statement, they emphasized the need for a unified executive power and to push the political process towards national elections. Haftar and Hamad's remarks come after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution extending the mission's mandate until October 31, 2027.
Sadam Haftar considered the UN decision as an opportunity for a comprehensive national settlement to end years of division and transitional phases. He called for a clear and specific roadmap with guarantees for implementation, leading to elections based on a agreed-upon constitution and law. Haftar stressed that unifying the executive authority is a national priority that cannot be delayed.
Haftar emphasized that unifying the executive authority is a necessary step to end the transitional phase, not a means to prolong it or reproduce it in new forms. He also urged for a clear roadmap with a specific timeline to achieve this goal. The UN mission has been supporting Libyan efforts to achieve stability and unity.
Osama Hamad, the head of the government appointed by the House of Representatives, echoed Haftar's sentiments. He stated that forming a unified executive authority is crucial for restoring the unity of state institutions and ending the division. Hamad called for unifying Libya's sovereign institutions and moving towards free and fair elections based on a national consensus and a sound constitutional and legal basis.
The UN Security Council adopted the resolution with 13 votes in favor, and Russia and Greece abstaining. The resolution renews support for the political roadmap led by UN envoy Hanna Tetteh, aiming to create conditions for national elections and unify Libyan institutions, including the executive authority. The council's decision comes amid differences over some provisions.
The extension of the UN mission's mandate is seen as a crucial step towards achieving stability in Libya. The country has been struggling with division and conflict since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Efforts to achieve a lasting settlement have been ongoing, with the UN playing a key role in supporting Libyan efforts.
The Libyan leaders' call for a unified executive authority reflects the need for a strong and stable government. The country's institutions have been divided, and the lack of a unified authority has hindered efforts to achieve stability and security. The UN mission has been working to support Libyan efforts to overcome these challenges and achieve a lasting settlement.
Key points
- UN Security Council extends mandate of UN Support Mission in Libya until October 31, 2027.
- Libyan leaders Haftar and Hamad stress need for unified executive authority.
- UN mission aims to support Libyan efforts to achieve stability and unity.
