(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Bernardino Leon expressed to the Security Council today that Libya's democratic transition lives a critical moment, which is, he said, a flattering political process that has brought the country closer to the brink of protracted conflict and civil strife.
After his recent visit to Libya, and being in contact with Libyans from across the political spectrum, Leon said he is confident of the willingness of all parties to engage constructively with the UNSMIL's efforts in order to explore options for a peaceful way out of the current crisis.
With the acknowledgment of the deep political differences, and profound sense of mistrust, yet all underscored the need to overcome those differences, to end armed hostilities, and for the political process to resume as soon as possible in order to prevent further polarisation and division, he said.
The solution to Libya's current crisis cannot be achieved through military means, but through political consensus based on key principles, including respect for the Constitutional Declaration, the democratic process, June 25th Legislative elections, an end to incitement and provocation, the unequivocal rejection of terrorism, and for a meaningful and inclusive political process, Leon suggested.
"This would have to be accompanied with steps on the security front to enable the State to assert its control over vital installations, and for Government to exercise its authority without the threat of armed intimidation," he added.
Despite repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including from the UN Security Council, the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile and precarious, Leon said.
Furthermore, the UNSMIL official stressed that with the given scale of the humanitarian situation across Libya, the United Nations humanitarian country team is urgently taking steps to mobilise additional resources to cover the high demand for relief support.
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