Ján Kubiš, the UN Special Envoy for Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, arrived in the country, on 26 April, to meet with Libyan interlocutors and officials.
The aim of the envoy’s visit is to advance the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) Roadmap, leading up to the holding of national elections on 24 December 2021.
As part of the visit, Kubiš held a series of meetings with high-level Libyan officials, starting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Najla Al-Manqoush.
The two sides reiterated the need to respect Libya’s sovereignty, in compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2570 of 2021, and 2571 of 2021, as well as the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
This would take place via, among other aspects, the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, without delay as requested by the UN Security Council.
Al-Manqoush highlighted the need for the withdrawal of these foreign forces within a clear framework and timeline.
The minister further elaborated the need for a comprehensive disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programme for the country to bring all arms present there under the control of the state.
The two sides also agreed on strengthening UN-Libyan cooperation, including through facilitating the humanitarian support to irregular migrants and refugees and their voluntary repatriation and resettlement. This would additionally see support given to the work of UN agencies, funds, and programmes to ensure better humanitarian and development support to the Libyan people.
