UN chief welcomes signing of Libyan Political Agreement

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed Thursday's historic signing of the Libyan Political Agreement by the participants of the Libyan political dialogue, said a statement of Ban's spokesman.

Ban was hopeful that "the signing of the agreement will put Libya back on the path of building a democratic State based on the principles of inclusion, human rights and the rule of law," it said.

The agreement will lead to the establishment of a single Government of National Accord and national institutions that will ensure broad representation, said the statement.

It is a critical step in continuing Libya's post-revolution transition after months of turmoil and uncertainty. I congratulate the Libyan people on this important achievement, it said.

"The door will remain open to those who wish to join on the road to peace. We will continue to work to broaden the basis of support for the new Government," it said.

Ban also commended all the participants of the dialogue, from the various tracks, for their hard work over the past year and for their willingness to put the national interest above other concerns, it said.

Stressing that "the signing of this agreement is not an end in itself," Ban said "the Presidency Council must now form the Government of National Accord, and preparations need to continue for its installation in Tripoli."

"The road ahead will be difficult. But I wish to reassure the Libyan people that the United Nations will continue to accompany the process and support the Government in the times ahead," it said. Enditem