In particular for hosting the 6+6 Commission in Bouznika from 22 May to 6 June

The UN Security Council appreciates Morocco's efforts to resolve the crisis in Libya

PHOTO/AFP - Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU en la sede de las Naciones Unidas en Nueva York — PHOTO/AFP - UN Security Council at the United Nations headquarters in New YorkImage of a burnt-out car after two days of clashes between two rival groups in Libya's capital, 16 August 2023.Image of a burnt-out car after two days of clashes between two rival groups in Libya's capital, 16 August 2023.

25/08/23

During a mid-week meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation in Libya, members of the body praised Morocco's efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in the North African country.

In a unanimously adopted statement, the 15 members of the UN body "expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the 6+6 Commission in Bouznika from 22 May to 6 June 2023".

As Moroccan media point out, this statement is a "clear and unequivocal" international recognition by the UN of Morocco's efforts to resolve the serious crisis in Libya, following the directives of King Mohammed VI. Rabat is committed to its regional neighbour to reach a definitive solution to the conflict, guaranteeing national unity, territorial integrity, stability and progress in Libya.

This important recognition by the UN Security Council of Morocco follows other positive statements regarding Morocco's role in Libya. The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the African Union and the League of Arab States have also praised Rabat's efforts to host the 6+6 Commission and its credible steps to help the Libyan parties reach a solution to the country's long-standing conflict.

PHOTO/FILE - Mohamed VI — **PHOTO/FILE** - Mohamed VI

In the communiqué, the Security Council members also reaffirmed their support for the mediation efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily. In particular, "his role in mediation and good offices to promote an inclusive political process, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, on the basis of the Libyan Political Agreement and the roadmap of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, and on the basis of the progress made in the 6+6 negotiations aimed at developing viable electoral laws".

UN stresses importance of holding elections in Libya

With regard to Libyan actors, the Security Council reiterated its "strong" commitment to "an inclusive Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political process, facilitated by the United Nations, that builds on the progress made in negotiations to date and addresses the issues of who will govern the country through elections".

PHOTO/AFP/MAHMUD TURKIA - Imagen de un coche calcinado tras dos días de enfrentamientos entre dos grupos rivales en la capital de Libia, el 16 de agosto de 2023 — **PHOTO/AFP/MAHMUD TURKIA** - Image of a burnt-out car after two days of clashes between two rival groups in Libya's capital, 16 August 2023

This last point is one of the UN's priorities. The UN Mission in Libya has long been working to ensure that elections are held in Libya, something that would boost the country's democratic transition. Therefore, again, the Security Council members urged the Libyan political authorities and stakeholders to "redouble their efforts to finalise the path towards free, fair, transparent and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections throughout Libya as soon as possible".

To this end, they also called on all parties concerned to "address differences through dialogue, in a spirit of consensus, to reach agreement on politically contentious election-related issues". They also stressed the importance of engaging "fully, transparently and in good faith" with the special representative of the secretary general in Libya-led negotiations facilitated by UNSMIL.

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