Libya At 'Critical Juncture' As UN-Supported Political Talks Continue

Libyan stakeholders must seize the momentum generated by the on-going political dialogue and bring an end to the country's instability and insecurity, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said today amid continuing fighting in the North African nation.

In a statement released earlier this afternoon, UNSMIL confirmed that Libyan parties involved in the UN-facilitated process had concluded the latest round of three-day talks in Skhirat, Morocco, on 7 March in an effort to address the formation of a government of national unity.

At the same time, noted the Mission, efforts to depart from the pre-established agenda were discouraged as all parties prepare for a resumption of the discussions on 11 March after they have had the opportunity to brief and consult their respective constituencies on the latest deliberations.

"In the interest of transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the on-going dialogue process and the commitments made by the various delegations taking part in the talks, UNSMIL urges all dialogue participants to refrain from making proposals outside the frameworks of these talks," the Mission declared, adding its belief that such an approach would be "key to efforts to build trust among the parties."

"UNSMIL again underscores that a final and durable solution to the Libyan crisis must be comprehensive and enjoy the support of all participants."

In addition, the UN Mission said it deeply regretted the continuing escalation of violence on the military front, including attacks on airports and other infrastructure.

The recent deadly terrorist bombings in the city of Al-Qubbah are among the latest waves of violence further rattling the war-weary nation. The attacks killed at least 45 people and injured scores of others when one bomber detonated his vehicle near a gas station on 20 February. The initial bombing was immediately followed by two car explosions near the home of Libya's Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Government's security headquarters.

In its statement, UNSMIL said that the escalation called into question "the commitment of those responsible behind these latest acts of aggression while also calling on all parties "to continue to engage constructively with the dialogue process."

"Libya is at a critical juncture," the statement continued. "And the window of opportunity is diminishing."

"Together with the international community, the United Nations will spare no effort to assist the Libyan people to realise their aspirations for a peaceful and stable Libya, and for a modern democratic state based on respect for human rights and the rule of law."