The Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission announced on Friday the reopening of the coastal road connecting the east to the west regions in Libya, a move that has been under deliberations for months and is integral to the implementation of the roadmap of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to pave the way for December elections.
The 5+5 Joint Military Commission said the security of the coastal road will be appointed to the Security Arrangements Committee of the two sides and no other security apparatus has the right to meddle in this process.
The commission warned that all kinds of military and security convoys are not allowed to use the road from Checkpoint 30km to Abu Grein area in western Sirte and that official authorities must coordinate with the committee for the passing of government and diplomatic convoys.
The Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, hailed the opening as an “achievement that will be followed by more” and said the step aims to end the suffering of Libyans who are burdened by travelling long ways when the road is blocked.
Likewise, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the official opening of the coastal road, in the presence of its representatives in the meetings of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in Sirte.
UNSMIL congratulated in a statement on Friday the Libyan people, national and local authorities, institutions, and stakeholders involved, especially the role of 5+5 Joint Military Commission, in this landmark and historic achievement.
“The opening of the Coastal Road is another step in strengthening peace, security, and stability in the country, and in the unification of its institutions. The exemplary work of the 5+5 JMC is also a signal to the leaders of the country to set aside their differences and work together to implement the Roadmap and hold elections on 24 December 2021.” UNSMIL said.
