The US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, met Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha on Saturday in Tunisia, where Norland commended Bashagha for his interest in pursuing urgent UN-facilitated negotiations aimed at reaching a political understanding with the PM of Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Dbiebah.
The US embassy reported that Norland and Bashagha talked about how to manage the final stages of interim governance and prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible.
“Ambassador Norland conveyed his understanding that PM Dbiebah is prepared to participate in these talks. The format and location of talks will be determined by the parties themselves in consultation with the UN and international partners. The US position is clear: we respect the right of Libyans themselves to determine their future.” Norland said.
He urged the Libyan parties to do these negotiations through exclusively peaceful means without any resort to violence; saying the US believes free, fair and inclusive elections are the only formula for lasting stability.
“In the current situation, choosing sides is not an option: the only side that can justifiably be chosen is peaceful negotiations.” Norland added.
