Libya’s national poll should be held in line with agreed roadmap: Vietnam Ambassador

It is of utmost importance that preparations be completed to enable the national elections in Libya at the end of this year be held in line with the agreed roadmap, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Hai Anh told a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Libya on September 10.

Libyan soldiers man a checkpoint southeast of the capital Tripoli on September 4, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Libyan soldiers man a checkpoint southeast of the capital Tripoli on September 4, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The event was attended by Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Libya Jan Kubis and co-founder of Tamazight Women’s Movement Asma Khalifa.

Vietnam shares concerns on the limited progress of the political and security tracks in the past months, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN said, adding that Vietnam calls on the relevant parties in Libya to resolve outstanding differences and expedite all necessary legal and logistical arrangements for the elections.

“We also underline the importance of ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in this process,” he said.

He moved on to urge the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the international community to continue to foster and support dialogue, confidence building measures and reconciliation efforts among the relevant parties.

It is imperative for all relevant parties to fully uphold the provisions of the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement, including the implementation of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism with the support from UNSMIL, he continued.

Anh voiced his support for the renewal of the UNSMIL’s mandate in this critical period and commended the efforts to clear mines and explosive remnants of war in Libya with support of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS).