The US ambassador and special envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, told told Jeune Afrique that until there is progress towards a long-term solution in Libya, the risk of violence, which could escalate, will always be present. However, he added that no progress will be possible in such a deadly context, and it is important that everyone in Libya commits to an exclusively political solution.
Norland spoke to the French website on the eve of the Africa-United States summit that will be held in Washington from December 13 to 15.
Norland said that holding elections and any progress toward them don’t just depend on the Government of National Unity, the House of Representatives, and the High Council of State, reiterating that other actors have a role to play as well.
He remarked that the US considers the current Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah an interim head of government, saying that Libya does not need another team of interim ministers.
“We have made it clear to all parties that the country must hold elections as soon as possible.” The US ambassador explained.
The US ambassador also indicated that the African Union could play an important role in breaking the political stalemate by supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Andoulaye Bathily.
