UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged national unity in Libya and for people to overcome differences ahead of landmark presidential and parliamentary elections next month.
Guterres made the appeal in a video message to the Paris Conference on Libya, convened on Friday, November 12, by French President Emmanuel Macron. Some 30 countries and organizations are said to be attending the conference.
The goal of the conference is to seize this moment for peace, the UN chief said, underlining international support for Libya.
The North African country has confronted numerous political and security crises since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gadaffi a decade ago.
“Libya today is closer than it has been for many years to solving its internal crisis and breaking the cycle of political transitions. We cannot miss this opportunity,” said Guterres in his address.
He urged those with influence to put the country’s wellbeing and prosperity ahead of their own interests.
The UN chief said most Libyans support the December 24 elections, which are being held in line with a political roadmap adopted last year following a historic ceasefire between the country’s two rival administrations.
Nearly 3 million people have registered to vote so far, he added, and their aspirations and determination to participate in free and fair elections must be met.
“Elections are an essential next step on the road to peace and stability. This step has to be built on a strong foundation of inclusive and credible frameworks that can guarantee its success,” said Guterres.
“I strongly urge Libyans to come together in a spirit of national unity, to overcome remaining differences, and forge a consensus on the legal framework for the elections, in consultation with all relevant national institutions, adhering to their rules and procedures.”
He added that “individual ambitions cannot stand in the way of Libya’s peaceful transition”.
He also called for all parties to participate in the election process and to respect the results.