New round of Libyan political dialogue to commence on Wednesday

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will host a new round of political dialogue here on Wednesday, seeking to end Libya's deepening political and security crisis, according to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) on Tuesday.

UNSMIL views this new round of dialogue as providing a key opportunity for the Libyan parties to engage in a political process that paves the way towards breaking the political deadlock underlying the political crisis and institutional crisis that have engulfed the country.

The discussions in Geneva will also seek to put in place the necessary security arrangements for bringing about a total cessation of armed hostilities which have claimed many civilians' lives, displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes and resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure and the country's economy.

Furthermore, the talks aim to secure a phased withdrawal of all armed groups from all major towns and cities, including Tripoli, and enable the country to reassert its authority over government institutions, strategic installations and other vital facilities.

In convening the first round of political talks, the United Nations has extended invitations to a number of political and civil society representatives.

Subsequent rounds, which are envisaged to be held next week, will include representatives from selected municipalities from across the country. The dialogue process will include additional tracks to be convened at a later date. These will include political parties, armed groups, as well as tribal and societal leaders.

UNSMIL is confident that the Libyan people will be able to find sustainable solutions to their problems and challenges facing Libya, restore stability and place their country on the path to prosperity. Endit