Rabat – The Chairman of the Libyan High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri, has renewed Libya’s gratitude for Morocco’s unwavering support of and central role in the UN-led political process aimed at finding a lasting solution to resolve the Libyan conflict.
Al-Mishri made his remarks during a press briefing in Rabat following his meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
“We are grateful for Morocco’s involvement in seeing democratic presidential and legislative elections in Libya, as the presidential council’s mais goal now is reaching December 24, and holding the elections,” Al-Mishri said.
He added, “We stand firmly behind these elections, but we have worries and concerns.”
Al-Mishri expressed the presidential council’s concerns over the “unfolding of the elections and the reception of the results.”
He stated that despite ample optimism, such worries are inevitable considering the context, adding “we want this election to be transparent, and its results accepted.”
Al-Mishri also expressed his positive view of the recent Moroccan elections, saying he hoped for a similar smooth transition and electoral process in Libya.
Echoing the remarks of the Libyan official, the Moroccan FM also expressed satisfaction with Libya’s confidence in Morocco’s ability to assist its rival political factions in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
Bourita said: “Today’s meeting was about reinforcing four main points, as directed by his majesty King Mohammed VI. ”
He Morocco’s positions vis a vis the Libyan crisis, saying that “a democratic election is necessary, and is the only way out of the crisis.”
With Libya’s crisis of “political legitimacy and the duality of institutions,” Bourita argued, transparent, fair and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections have become the only way to achieve peace in the north african country.
Of the Libyan elections, Bourita stressed, “In order for the elections to succeed, it should meet the conditions set by the Libyan regulatory bodies, and respect the requirements and framework provided for.”
He said that in order for the elections to fulfill their goal in stabilizing the country, “the stability of executive institutions is vital, today more than ever,” adding, “Without stable executive institutions, it is impossible for Libya to follow its democratic agenda.”
The head of Moroccan diplomacy concluded by reiterating Morocco’s support for Libya’s journey to peace, democracy and national cohesion, saying that “Morocco will continue to provide a space for dialogue and consensus between all Libyan political actors.”
The Al-Mishri-Bourita meeting comes amid a crisis in Libya after the country’s eastern-based parliament passed today a no-confidence vote against the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, dealing a blow to the UN-led mediation efforts and plans of general elections later this year.
When asked about the no confidence vote in today’s press conference, El Mishri told reporters that “the presidency council is currently focused on election day, the no confidence vote is nothing but a disruption.”
He concluded,“We at the council will not give the no confidence vote more credit and importance than it deserves, as it’s coming from a government at the end of its term, who will leave power after December 24.”
This is Al-Mishri’s second visit to Morocco in three months. In June, he traveled to Rabat on an official visit to take part in dialogue initiatives with senior Moroccan officials.
During his June visit, Al-Mishri emphasized the importance of Morocco’s contributions to the UN-led peacekeeping mission in Libya.
He mentioned the Skhirat Agreement and pointed out Morocco’s efforts in terms of the convergence of “points of view between the different parties.” For Al-Mishri, Morocco’s mediation laid the groundwork for “the consensus likely to pave the way for a final political settlement of the Libyan crisis.”
The speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, echoed the same sentiment during a meeting with Bourita on September 2.
During the meeting, Saleh highlighted Morocco’s efforts in solving the Libyan conflict, saying that the country is “trying to ensure all Libyan parties involved in the conflict” agree on following a democratic process.
Beyond Libyan officials, the international community at large has also applauded Rabat’s confidence-building efforts in Libya.
In July, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Joey Hood, emphasized Morocco’s peace efforts in the MENA region, notably its support for the UN-led political process in Libya.
“We appreciate Morocco’s continuous support for the UN’s efforts in Libya, and its support for removing foreign forces from Libya and for preparation for successful nationwide elections there,” the official said, describing the process as an “essential step towards a stable, unified, and democratic Libya.”
Similarly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commended Morocco’s Libyan role in recent remarks in which he stressed the US’ and Morocco’s “desire to see stability and prosperity” return to Libya after 10 years of violent confrontations between the country’s rival factions.
