Libya’s Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dbeibeh reiterated his pledge to form a national unity government, saying he will set certain conditions to ensure fair representation in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, new United Nations envoy, Jan Kubis, met on Friday with Libyan National Army (LNA) commander, Khalifa Haftar, in the eastern city of Benghazi.
His visit is part of a series of meetings he is holding with Libyan stakeholders.
The envoy held a meeting with Haftar in the presence of the LNA delegation to 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). They both agreed on the importance for all parties in Libya to commit to and facilitate the holding of the national elections on December 24, said a statement from the UN mission.
The discussions focused on ways to expedite the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, signed on October 23, 2020, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, as well as the unification of the military and security institutions. They also discussed ways to expedite the opening of the coastal road.
During the meeting, Kubis praised the efforts of the 5+5 JMC, saying: “Your patriotic work and courageous decisions, and your steadfast commitment to further the implementation of the ceasefire agreement played a crucial role in the success of the LPDF and brought Libya back on the path of reconciliation and unity.”
He reiterated the urgent need to cease all international interference in Libya and for all countries to respect the UN Security Council resolutions, including the arms embargo, and most importantly to respect the will of the Libyans.
On Saturday, Kubis met with Dbeibeh, who commended the UN efforts in bringing Libyans together and put Libya back on the path of peace, unity, stability and prosperity.
Encouraged by the PM-designate's intention to form a representative and inclusive government, Kubis commended him on his commitment to allocate 30 percent of cabinet seats to women and to include youth, said a statement by the UN mission.
Dbeibeh briefed him on his vision of a roadmap to address the economic, humanitarian, security and developments challenges in the country. They both agreed on the importance of holding an official House of Representatives vote of confidence session as soon as possible.
Kubis expressed the UN commitment to support the new interim executive in its quest to unite the country, enhance the provision of services to the Libyan people as well as to prepare the country for the holding of national elections in December.
On Friday, Dbeibeh had visited the city of Tobruk, home to the east-based parliament, where he held “fruitful” meetings with aide to Speaker Aguila Saleh and lawmakers. Talks focused on the elections and efforts to form a new government.
“I will not approve a government candidate who cannot work throughout Libya,” Dbeibeh said according to a statement released by his office.
He also said that the parliament has a “historic responsibility” to grant confidence to the government.
Meanwhile, authorities in the central city of Sirte announced that the necessary arrangements are underway to hold a parliament meeting in the coming days.
