The 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) concluded Thursday a three-day meeting in Cairo where it agreed with representatives of Chad, Niger, and Sudan on establishing an effective communication and coordination mechanism for the departure of mercenaries and foreign forces from the Libyan territories .
They agreed on implementing a a gradual, balanced, synchronized, and sequenced process, saying the mechanism will enable taking the first steps in the withdrawal process that will take fully into account the needs and concerns of Libya and its neighbors.
"The mechanism envisages the establishment of communication and coordination committees in Libya and neighboring countries that will be tasked with communicating and coordinating the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters as well as the holding of meetings during the implementation process between the JMC and Libyan authorities and representatives of the neighboring countries of Chad, Niger, and Sudan," a UNSMIL statement on the JMC meeting read.
For his part, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ján Kubis, hailed the continuous efforts of the JMC in this regard.
"I am honored to witness this progress achieved by Libya, Chad, Niger, and Sudan, working in the spirit of common interest and partnership that will open the doors to sustainable stability, security, development, and cooperation in the region," he noted.
"This responds to the overwhelming demand of the Libyan people and further creates a positive momentum in light of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December."
Meanwhile, the UN continues to exert pressure on the Libyan Parliament to amend the presidential and parliamentary electoral laws, amid plans to hold elections in December.
On Thursday, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, Youssef Al-Aqouri, discussed during a virtual meeting with UNSMIL Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator, Residen Zeninga, the requirements for the success of the electoral process.
“The success of the elections requires commitment to the outcomes of the Geneva Conference, including the removal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya," Aqouri said.
