The European Union mission announces the provision of 10 million Euros to support stability and social cohesion in Libya.

Tripoli, August 18, 2020 (LANA) - The European Union mission announced the provision of 10 million Euros in additional funding for the new UNDP initiative, which concerns stability, unity and social cohesion in Libya, and aims to support peaceful dialogue and reconciliation between societies to improve social harmony and national unity. The mission clarified in a statement that, with this new funding from the European Union, the United Nations Development Initiative in Supporting Stability, Unity and Social Cohesion in Libya will continue to support three existing complementary projects, namely the Libya Stability Fund, National Reconciliation, and Local Elections, with the introduction of a new project to prevent violent extremism that will help communities most in need. The mission added that the ongoing partnership between the European Union and the United Nations Development Program focuses the new initiative on strengthening the capacities of municipalities, which work with their local communities to establish and maintain a peaceful environment by achieving peace and supporting local peace agreements, which will pave the way for social and economic development, including the most vulnerable population groups in Libya, while supporting the common goal of coexistence and stability. The mission explained that the initiative also aims to promote progress towards common local stability goals, by restoring basic services, reconciliation efforts, and promoting peaceful dialogue at the community level in cooperation with civil society, social cohesion will improve the standard of living for Libyans. This, in turn, should pave the way for credible municipal elections and stronger local governance. The mission indicated that another component of this initiative will focus on strengthening municipalities' efforts to prevent violent extremism by raising awareness of the dangers of extremism and countering extremist messages in societies. The mission continued, despite the deep political divisions existing in Libya, the United Nations Development Program, in partnership with the European Union, local communities, NGOs, local authorities and government representatives, has made progress in achieving stability in conflict-affected areas to improve the lives of the most needy population as they seek. The new initiative further promotes peace and national reconciliation. UNDP Resident Representative, Gerardo Noto, said: "UNDP and its partners are working to achieve greater stability in Libya, where people can access basic services, live in harmony, and choose their local leaders in a democratic way". The Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, Alain Bojiga, welcomed the ongoing partnership with the United Nations Development Program, adding, "We fully believe in the main role of local authorities in achieving stability in Libya through this joint initiative with the United Nations Development Program. We reaffirm our tireless support for a peaceful democratic transition in Libya". ... (LANA) ...