‘Constructive’ Libya talks in Geneva, ‘sincere commitment to reach common ground exists’ – UN

Participants in the Libyan dialogue hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) yesterday concluded two days of intensive discussions at the Palais des Nations in Geneva aimed at finding ways to end their country's political, security and institutional crisis.

According to the United Nations, the talks were constructive and conducted in a positive atmosphere, and reflected the participants' sincere commitment to reach common ground. The parties involved “expressed their unequivocal commitment to a united and democratic Libya governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights”.

A delegation from the House of Representatives – the internationally recognized government of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni – and parties allied to Tripoli attended this week's talks in Geneva, but major representatives from Libya Dawn and the GNC parliament refused to join, casting doubt over efforts to form a unity administration.

The participants agreed after extensive deliberation on an agenda that includes reaching a political agreement to form a consensual national unity government and the necessary security arrangements to end the fighting and secure the phased withdrawal of armed groups from all Libyan cities to allow the State to assert its authority over the country's vital facilities.
The participants called on all the parties to cease hostilities to create a conducive environment for the dialogue. They also agreed to return to Geneva next week for a new round of dialogue after holding the necessary consultations.

The Mission and the participants expressed their hope that all the invited representatives, including those who did not attend this round, would take part in the talks next week. The Mission welcomed all the voices that are committed to a stable Libya through peaceful means.

Concern at the growing threat posed by terrorist groups whether inside Libya or abroad, was raided and the need for concerted efforts to counter the threat of terrorism was underscored.

The European Union has called the Geneva talks the "last chance" to resolve Libya's crisis. Rival brigades of former rebels and their political allies who once fought together against Gaddafi have since turned against each other in a scramble for control.

Malta welcomed the Geneva talks that include different facets of Libyan society, namely, the political, social, economic, and civil society in general. It expressed hope that ther representatives of political parties, militia groups and tribal leaders join the talks at a later stage.

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella said there was no alternative other than a political settlement acceptable to all Libyans that include the establishment of a national unity government where all Libyans will be represented.

“The Ministry continues to believe that Libya's problems have to be settled by Libyans themselves.  It is within this context that the Ministry exhorts those parties who have yet to decide to participate in the talks in Geneva to lay down their arms, put aside all differences, consider first and foremost the supreme interests of their country and work towards a political compromise that would alleviate the current humanitarian suffering, and bring back peace, stability and prosperity to the Libyan citizens,” the ministry for foreign affairs said.