Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi held talks on Tuesday with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly in New York.
They discussed the latest developments in Libya, including the political impasse that has negatively impacted the fragile security situation.
They also exchanged views on the importance of de-escalating tensions and engaging in genuine dialogue to find a consensual pathway to elections.
Menfi pledged to meet the constitutional demands for the elections, stressing that the Council is still prepared to intervene when necessary.
He congratulated Guterres on appointing Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal as his Special Representative for Libya and expressed readiness to fully cooperate with him to advance the political process in the country.
Menfi had previously hinted during a meeting with a tribal delegation that his Council will intervene using its sovereign authority to determine the legal framework for the electoral process in case the parliament and High Council of State fail to agree on a constitutional basis.
Head of the High Council of State Khalid al-Mishri didn’t comment on Menfi’s remarks, but east-based parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh stressed that it is not within the powers of the Presidential Council to set an electoral constitutional basis.
Prior to his meeting with Guterres, Menfi held talks with the Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, on Monday.
They discussed various political and security issues in Libya and stressed efforts to maintain stability and hold elections there soon.
