UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Libya Jan Kubis warned that institutional, political, and individual interests stand in the way of of finalizing the necessary legal framework for holding Libya's December elections.

“I am deeply concerned about the wider ramifications of the stalemate in the political, electoral track.”

Kubis was speaking at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya in New York, chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and attended by Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh.

The Security Council issued a statement welcoming the conclusions of the second Berlin Conference on Libya and the collective efforts of Member States and regional and international organizations to assist the Libyan people in their quest for unity, peace, stability, and prosperity.

“I have advised the Speaker of the House of Representatives to consult with the High Council of State in line with the Libyan Political Agreement and to ensure that the legal and constitutional bases are in place for holding the elections on December 24, as per UNSCR 2570, Berlin-II conference conclusions and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) Roadmap,” said Kubis.

He stressed the need to “safeguard and advance the course to national inclusive, free, and fair parliamentary and presidential elections this December.”

The envoy called for increasing engagement with the Civil Society, including women and youth of the country. The Security Council strongly urged the relevant authorities and institutions to take immediate action to clarify the constitutional basis for the elections and enact legislation to allow sufficient time and resources to prepare for the national presidential and parliamentary elections.

Kubis asserted that the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries and foreign fighters also threaten the ceasefire, noting that Libyan and international actors must agree on a plan to commence and complete the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces.

“I also urge members of the LPDF to put their differences aside and come to an agreement on a proposal for the constitutional basis for immediate consideration and adoption by the House of Representatives, so that elections may be held on December 24,” stressed Kubis.

Meanwhile, the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, stressed that a political solution in Libya is possible, describing it as “necessary” and “urgent.”

However, she indicated that it requires elections on December 24, as planned, and parties must come together to ensure that happens by putting the needed legal and constitutional frameworks in place.

According to Greenfield, the Security Council must also continue to support efforts to resolve the issues surrounding military de-escalation and call for the immediate departure of foreign forces and mercenaries.

For his part, Dbeibeh said that holding the general elections on their scheduled date is a “national and historic choice.”

The Libyan people are entitled to elections on December 24, and fulfilling that pledge requires solidarity and close cooperation among all sides, according to Dbeibeh, who said that his administration is doing its part with the allocation of funds to the electoral commission.

He called on the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to assume their responsibilities and reach a consensus for elections to be held on time.

Meanwhile, the French Foreign Minister warned during his speech that any party in Libya obstructing the political process could face international sanctions.

Le Drian said the international community must act to address real threats to Libya’s political transition.

The electoral calendar must be respected, while foreign forces and mercenaries, whose presence violates Council resolutions as well as Libya’s sovereignty, must withdraw, he added.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, indicated that the positive momentum that began with the first conference, including implementation of a ceasefire, formation of a Government of National Unity, and agreement on election dates, must continue to serve the interests of the Libyan people who have placed their hope in this process.

Aboul Gheit affirmed the League’s interest in holding the elections, noting that it will be a milestone to save Libya and preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity; re-opening the discussion of the December 24 date will only generate further conflict. ASHARAQ-AL-AWSAT