Russia & China Call for Inclusive Dialogue on Libya
Russia and China have called for broader political dialogue among Libya’s rival parties, warning that continued institutional divisions, delayed elections and economic pressures are threatening efforts to end. . .
Russia and China have called for broader political dialogue among Libya’s rival parties, warning that continued institutional divisions, delayed elections and economic pressures are threatening efforts to end the country’s prolonged political deadlock. The two countries outlined their positions during a UN Security Council meeting on Libya on Tuesday, August 18, where members discussed the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the country’s political process. Russia’s representative said a political settlement in Libya could only be reached through an inclusive dialogue involving all major parties in the country and based on existing Libyan political agreements. Moscow said the process should proceed under UN facilitation while remaining Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. It said recommendations produced by the UNSMIL-facilitated Structured Dialogue could contribute to the political process when applied in a way that responds to Libya’s circumstances and gains the support of Libyan stakeholders. The Structured Dialogue has brought together Libyan participants from political, professional and social backgrounds to discuss governance, security, the economy, human rights and national reconciliation. Its recommendations are intended to support a Libyan-led process towards national elections and unified state institutions. China’s representative also called for an inclusive political process, saying dialogue should be strengthened to overcome the continuing stalemate between Libya’s political institutions. Beijing said Libya had made progress in recent months, including developments in the political process and increased oil and gas exports, but warned that the country continues to face serious economic pressures. The Chinese representative cited the fiscal deficit, rising prices and fuel shortages among the challenges affecting Libyans. China said the international community should recognise that the continued division of Libya’s state institutions and repeated delays to national elections were negatively affecting the interests of the Libyan people. Beijing urged Libyan parties to narrow their differences and reach understandings over outstanding issues contained in the political roadmap, saying such agreements were necessary to move the process forward. China described Libya as being at a crossroads and called on the international community to respect the country’s sovereignty and national ownership while supporting efforts to restore political unity. Both Russia and China backed dialogue rather than confrontation as the route towards ending Libya’s political impasse, while stressing the need for Libyan parties themselves to determine the country’s political future.