LibyaPolitics

U.N. postpones Libya’s National Forum: Salama

The United Nations intended to hold Libya’s national forum as soon as it’s possible, but it would be impossible to do so “to the backdrop of artillery shelling and air raids,” Ghassan Salamé, the U.N. special envoy for Libya, said on Wednesday.

“We also cannot ask Libyans to attend a Conference … as we must ensure that all of those who expressed willingness to respond to this historic and national event from all over the country are able to attend and are able to voice their opinions freely,” Salame added.

“I will work, to the fullest possible extent, to enable the Libyan National Forum to take place as soon as possible, once the conditions to enable it to be held are re-established,” he continued.

The two-day conference in the town of Ghadames was due to be attended by 120 delegates on 14-15 April. The decision to shelve the summit is a blow to Libya’s democratic forces, who had hoped it might open a path to presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of this year.

On 4 April, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced the launch of an offensive against Tripoli, while the Government of National Accord ordered all allied military units to gear up to defend the capital. The warring factions are currently involved in battles along the outskirts of Tripoli.

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