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)
TT

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.



Lebanon, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Netanyahu Puts More Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Lebanon, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Netanyahu Puts More Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein and Middle East adviser Brett McGurk Thursday that any ceasefire deal with Hezbollah would have to guarantee Israeli security.

"The prime minister specified that the main issue is not paperwork for this or that deal, but Israel's determination and capacity to ensure the deal's application and to prevent any threat to its security from Lebanon," Netanyahu's office said after the meeting in Jerusalem.

Speaking at a military academy in Israel's Negev desert later Thursday, Netanyahu told reservists he appreciated American support in the ongoing wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but would not accede to any and all US demands.

"My policy is simple. I say yes when it's possible, but I say no when it's needed," he told trainee officers.

"Hamas will no longer control Gaza and Hezbollah will not settle on our northern border," he added.

"We are also blocking weapons supply chains from Iran to Hezbollah via Syria and from there to Lebanon."