The UN Advisor on Libya, Stephanie Williams, has said in her opening remarks at the third and final round of the constitutional talks in Cairo came at a critical juncture for Libya after eleven long years of division, dysfunction, conflict, chaos and polarization, adding that now, the Libyan people are exhausted and the committee members from the High council of State (HCS) and House of representatives (HoR) have a real opportunity, indeed a solemn responsibility, to give them hope, to provide a pathway towards elections within a firm constitutional framework.
“As elected representatives of the Libyan people, you decided here in Cairo a few weeks ago that this should be the final round that is expected to result in a sound, constitutional framework to enable the holding of elections.” Williams told the attending members.
She added that there are key articles that are still pending to be agreed on, saying that in this round, they still have important issues to resolve; and the UN hopes and expects that they will maintain the sense of responsibility and the spirit of compromise to be able to reach consensus, by upholding the interests of their country over anything else, which paves the way to restore the popular legitimacy to all Libyan institutions.
“Your Libyan compatriots look at you, expecting anxiously tangible results: a firm and consensual constitutional basis that will pave the way for holding transparent elections within the shortest timeframe possible. They can no longer wait.” Williams said.
She added that the current deadlock is not sustainable and must come to an end, saying that this meeting could constitute the last straight line towards reaching a compromise.
“Your compatriots, your constituents, must be able to exercise their democratic right to vote in general, national elections for the first time in more than eight years. This opportunity depends on your ability to sustain your commitment and reach a compromise on the remaining outstanding articles.” She explained.
Williams said that her messages, either inside or outside Libya, these last months remained unchanged: Libyans deserve to live in long-lasting peace and stability, with all what these two words imply; they want a better future for the generations to come.
“Your responsibility is to fulfil their aspirations. The international community is fully supportive of your efforts and is ready to welcome and endorse a positive outcome that would put the electoral process back on track.” She further explained.
She reiterated that her message to the spoilers and those who look to disrupt this delicate political process through the use of force is also clear: “you must stop, you must put down your weapons, you must stop terrorizing the civilian population. Enough is enough.”
The third and final round of the constitutional talks kicked off on Sunday in Cairo in the presence of both HCS and HoR representatives as well as the UN Advisor.
