Moataz Wanees
June 30, 2022•Update: June 30, 2022
TRIPOLI, Libya
UN special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, said Thursday she will recommend alternative ways to move stalled talks in light of continued differences between rivals.
In a statement following a meeting in Geneva between the presidents of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh and High Council of State, Khaled al-Mishri, Williams said despite progress and a consensus achieved in talks, "disagreement persists on the eligibility requirements for the candidates in the first presidential elections."
The envoy urged both "to overcome the pending disagreement as soon as possible," and stressed maintaining "calm and stability" in Libya.
"The United Nations' good offices will remain available to provide all support necessary to reach a sound agreement that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people," she said.
Libya has been plagued by turmoil and divisions since the 2011 ouster of strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
UN-sponsored talks was held in Egypt last week to reach a consensus on the constitutional framework to hold long-awaited elections.
Libyans are still waiting for elections to take place in hopes that the vote will contribute to ending years of armed conflict that have plagued the oil-rich country.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar
