Head of Libya's Presidential Council Welcomes Extension of UNSMIL Mandate

Tunis, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- Libyan Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed al-Menfi expressed his welcome on Saturday for the UN Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for 12 months, emphasizing the necessity of launching a comprehensive political process led and owned by Libyans that would lead to the end of the transitional phase and the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a statement, the Presidential Council noted that the resolution affirmed respect for Libya’s sovereignty and national unity, as well as the governing frameworks of the political process, and commended the role of UNSMIL in facilitating the political process, leading mediation efforts, and the progress achieved within the framework of the mini-track and its preliminary outputs.

Chairman al-Menfi stressed the need to broaden the base of political consensus, ensure the participation of all relevant institutions, and avoid selecting representatives on their behalf or restricting the political process to a limited group of parties. He warned that any understandings not based on national consensus would not guarantee the sustainability of a political solution.

Al-Menfi appreciated the resolution’s affirmation of the necessity to unify state institutions and its rejection of unilateral measures that could deepen divisions, as well as its condemnation of attacks targeting civilian facilities and populated areas, and its emphasis on investigating such incidents and holding those responsible accountable.

He noted the Presidential Council’s appreciation for the resolution’s awareness of his address to the UN General Assembly, which included a call to end the transitional phase through a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process.

He affirmed that achieving a sustainable political solution requires an inclusive national process that accommodates various political forces and lays the foundation for unifying state institutions, ending transitional phases based on consensus, legitimacy, and the will of the Libyan people.

The Presidential Council Chairman praised the efforts of partners and friends, expressing his hope that these efforts would be completed in a manner that supports a comprehensive political path leading to respect for the will of the Libyan people and the realization of their interests.

The UN Security Council had adopted Resolution 2835 on Friday, extending the mandate of UNSMIL for 12 months, with 13 members voting in favor, while Russia and Greece abstained. The mission’s current mandate is set to expire on October 31, 2026. (End) S.B.M. / T.M.A.