UN Says Williams to Work with Libyan Actors to Help them Sustain Momentum Created for Elections

The logo of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
The logo of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
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UN Says Williams to Work with Libyan Actors to Help them Sustain Momentum Created for Elections

The logo of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
The logo of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the arrival of Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General (SASG) for Libya, Stephanie Williams in Tripoli.

“In close coordination with UNSMIL, Williams will lead the good offices and mediation efforts and engagement with Libyan, regional, and international actors to pursue the implementation of the three intra-Libyan dialogue tracks and support the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections,” it said in a statement on Sunday.

“Williams will work with Libyan actors to help them sustain the momentum created for national elections by the unprecedented voter registration turnout, successful distribution of voters cards, and registration of a high number of presidential and parliamentary candidates,” it said.

UNSMIL hailed the work of the High National Election Commission, which has achieved significant progress in the technical preparations for the elections despite many challenges.

“The Libyan people deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders through the ballot box,” said the statement.

“Working in close collaboration with the Special Adviser and other international partners, UNSMIL will continue to support an electoral process that can deliver unity, stability, and legitimate institutions in the country,” it added.



Israel Pounds Beirut Southern Suburbs with Airstrikes

Smoke rises from a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Smoke rises from a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
TT

Israel Pounds Beirut Southern Suburbs with Airstrikes

Smoke rises from a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Smoke rises from a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Israel’s air force resumed airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, destroying buildings in several neighborhoods, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said Friday. There was no immediate word on casualties.

The early Friday airstrikes on Dahiyeh — after a four-day lull during which no airstrikes were reported in the suburbs — destroyed dozens of buildings and caused fires in the area, the agency said.

In recent days, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on the northeastern city of Baalbek and nearby villages, as well as different parts of southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Heath Ministry said more than 2,800 people have been killed and 13,000 wounded since Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah began firing rockets almost daily into Israel, drawing retaliation.