Alternative ways to move stalled talks will be recommended by UN Special Adviser on Libya Stephanie Williams in light of continued differences between rivals, according to a statement on Thursday.
Williams expressed that despite progress and a consensus achieved in talks, “disagreement persists on the eligibility requirements for the candidates in the first presidential elections,” a statement following a meeting in Geneva between the presidents of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh and High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri, indicates.
Overcoming the pending disagreement as soon as possible was urged by the UN envoy, in addition to stressing maintaining “calm and stability” in Libya.
Williams added, “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.”
Since the 2011 ouster of strongman Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been plagued by turmoil and divisions.
In order to reach a consensus on the constitutional framework to hold long-awaited elections, UN-sponsored talks were held in Egypt last week.
In hopes that the vote will contribute to ending years of armed conflict that have plagued the oil-rich country, Libyans are still waiting for elections to take place.
