A proposal to hold a reconstruction conference in Benghazi would be more effective if it were conducted jointly and inclusively, Norland says.

Tripoli, September 30, 2023 (Lana) The U.S. Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, affirmed that the U.S. will continue to work with Libyan officials throughout the country and with the UN to support the program of reconstruction, in which the Libyan people will have confidence.

In a statement published by the American Embassy in Libya on its Facebook page, Norland said that a proposal to hold a reconstruction conference in Benghazi on October 10 would be much more effective if it were conducted jointly and inclusively in coordination with the institutions that manage resources and funding, taking into consideration the best interests of the Libyan people.

Norland stressed that this coordination is essential to ensure flood victims receive the support they need.

“As focus on reconstruction increases, Libyans need to be assured that public funds are used transparently and accountably and that assistance goes to those in need, and those affected by the flood are struggling to rebuild their lives even as they cope with unimaginable personal loss,” he said.

“The International Community is preparing to assist this effort with financial and technical expertise, and the Libyans must establish the structures that bring authorities from across the country together to agree on priority expenditures and ensure funds are efficiently and properly allocated,” Norland added.

Norland urged Libyan authorities to form such unified structures rather than launch separate efforts.

=Lana=