The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced the commencement of a one-week period for the submission of candidacies for the positions of a three-member Presidency Council and Prime Minister of the Unified Executive Authority, closing on January 28.
The mission issued a statement on Friday and released the technical guidance and related forms for the submission of candidacies in accordance with the eligibility criteria adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) in Tunis in mid-November.
It also stipulated that candidates for the post of prime minister must provide at least two recommendations from LPDF members.
It called on those wishing to run for the Authority to email copies of the nomination form and CV, in addition to an identification document.
“A verification committee composed of three members of the LPDF will be formed to verify the candidacies submitted in accordance with the relevant requirements and tasked to compile the final lists of candidates for the Presidency Council for each region and the post of Prime Minister.”
Meanwhile, CNN revealed that US officials are concerned Russia-backed mercenaries Wagner are digging a trench across Libya, raising fears that foreign fighters will not withdraw from the country by Saturday, according to the UN-brokered peace deal.
The Volcano of Rage operation, led by the forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), reported that the officials are also worried over the long-term goals of the Kremlin ally in the country.
The trench, which extends dozens of kilometers south from the populated areas around Sirte towards al-Jufra, can be seen on satellite imagery and is “bolstered by a series of elaborate fortifications.”
Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, said that he discussed over the phone with members and mayors of local municipalities the latest developments of the Political Dialogue Forum.
The talks also addressed challenges facing southern municipalities that feel marginalized and excluded in light of the deteriorating economic conditions in their regions.
Norland reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving the quality of life in the south.
The mayors expressed their support for the political process facilitated by Acting UN Libya envoy Stephanie Williams.
Furthermore, a new round of talks began between the delegations of the House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based High Council of State in the resort of Bouznika, Morocco.
The talks were launched according to the “13+13” formula, aiming to complete the discussions on the selection of the seven sovereign positions that were stipulated in Paragraph (15) of the Skhirat Agreement.
The round of dialogue began with a closed session, which was limited to the two Libyan delegations, and with only a limited number of Moroccan government representatives.
The attendees refused to make any media statements after the meeting and only posed for photos.
A source told Asharq Al-Awsat that this round will focus on four sovereign positions, which are the head of the administrative oversight authority, the head of the audit bureau, the governor of the central bank, and the head of the anti-corruption commission
He noted that the attendees confirmed their commitment to the understandings they achieved in previous meetings.
The current meeting aims to carry out further consultations on these positions before an upcoming meeting in Geneva.
