Holding elections per the agreements of the Palermo Conference was discussed by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, head of the Presidency Council Faiez Sarraj and Commander of Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar in separate meeting in Libya.
During his visit, Conte discussed with Sarraj steps that have been taken towards an election, but also met with Sarraj’s power rival in the east, Haftar.
Holding elections is a major challenge in a country still split among military and political factions, and where rival governments have claimed authority since the result of a 2014 vote was disputed.
Before holding another election to end the division, a referendum on a constitution is planned to be held. The draft has already been said, albeit with reservations by some parties, including Amazigh tribes.
Haftar’s most recent stance on the Palermo Conference and holding elections was revealed in a LNA statement Nov. 8, where spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari suggested that Haftar snubbed the broader conference because he accuses representatives from the the Government of the National Accord (GNA) of working with “illegitimate militias” and extremists backed by Qatar.
Europe’s efforts to stabilize its southern neighbor and exporter of both oil and thousands of migrants of different nationalities, have been largely relentless. Owing to these efforts, Sarraj and his GNA enjoy international recognition and backing, yet Haftar has also proven himself as a strongman and key player after several military successes against militants.
Conte and Haftar discussed international developments in Libya and cooperation between the two countries on different levels, while in his meeting with Sarraj, he tackled the resumption of a 2008 friendship treaty by early 2019 between the two Mediterranean countries.
The treaty was signed between ousted President Muammer Gaddafi and then Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, under which Italy provided “compensatory” investments to Libya after long, brutal years of its colonization of the North African state.
In return, Libya would solidify efforts to stop illegal migrants embarking from its shores – and receive those sent back.
Sarraj and Conte also highlighted measures to secure Tripoli and adopt an economic reform program.
The Italian prime minister emphasized that Italy supports the economic reform program declared by the Presidency Council and Libyan Central Bank.
To ensure that the outcomes of Palremo Conference will be put into effect, Conte also held talks with Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh to push for holding elections, a step seen by Conte as the “only solution” to end the Libyan crisis and unify national institutions.
On the sidelines of his visit, Conte discussed with the High Council of State’s (HCS) head Khalid al-Mishri constitutional amendments and security in Libya. HCS advises both the GNA in Tripoli and the Libyan parliament, currently based in eastern Libya.
He remarked that Italian companies would invest once again in Libya once stability and security have been achieved through calling for election and unifying institutions.
