Bathily on Independence Day: Patience of Libyan people is running out, and time has come to uphold interest of country and people.

Tripoli, 23 December, 2022 (Lana) - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily has congratulated the Libyan people on Libya’s independence anniversary.

In a statement on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Libya's independence, Bathily considered that the commemoration of independence this year is tinged with bitterness, because it also coincides with the first anniversary of the postponement of the general elections that were supposed to take place on December 24, 2021.

"A whole year has been lost for Libya in its march towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity, a year that would have been the beginning of achieving peace and national reconciliation." He added.

In his statement, Bathily reiterated his appeal to all Libyans of various orientations to make 2023 the beginning of a new era for the country, including through holding free and fair elections.

He also appealed to all political leaders in Libya to reflect on the image that history will remember them, urging them to be a driving force for resolving the long-standing Libyan crisis, by agreeing on a solution based on national consensus, and avoiding any escalatory actions that would threaten the fragile unity and stability of Libya.

The UN envoy concluded his statement by saying that the patience of the Libyan people is running out, and the time has come to uphold the interest of the country and the people, including 2.8 million Libyans who registered to vote, and that Libyan leaders must put an end to the transitional stages, prepare the country for elections and respect the right of Libyans to strive towards a better future, reaffirming that the United Nations will spare no effort in working with all parties, comprehensively, constructively and resolutely at the same time, to support the Libyan parties in order to prevent deepening divisions and wasting more time.

=Lana=