Special Representative of the UN Sec-Gen and head of UN Special Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily reiterated his calls to all international parties concerned with Libya to coordinate efforts and positions in support of holding elections and achieving peace and stability in the country.
Bathily met France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and discussed political and security developments in Libya and the need to for support a Libyan-Libyan process to facilitate inclusive, transparent elections in 2023.
"I called for international stakeholders to unify their positions and speak with one voice to support elections and fulfill Libyan's aspirations for peace and stability," he tweeted.
Meanwhile, head of the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah discussed with Chairman of the Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi the executive steps related to the elections.
They also reviewed the government's preparations for holding the elections, preparing the poll stations, and increasing coordination with the General Elections Commission.
Meanwhile, armed militias loyal to the Dbeibah government closed the al-Hira gate in Gharyan to prevent him from visiting the city to open youth hostels. They accused him of reneging on pledges and relocating some projects from the city to other areas.
Eyewitnesses and local media reported that commander of the "Bou Ghalyan Martyrs Brigade" in Gharyan, Nasser Shatiba, ordered his members to close the western entrance to the city.
The armed groups also continued to close the Dafniya road in Misrata, demanding the government pay financial dues in exchange for reopening it.
Separately, Dbeibah did not comment on reports that said he had held secret talks with one of the sons of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Meanwhile, Menfi discussed with the Chairman of National Oil Corporation, Farhat ben Qadara, the challenges facing the oil sector.
Furthermore, the head of Libya's government of stability, Fathi Bashagha, said that he discussed with the defense minister, Ahmid Homa, in Sirte, the ministry's plan to support the work of the 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) to unify the military.
