The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the official opening of the coastal road, in the presence of the mission, as of July 30.
The statement issued by the mission said that it congratulates the Libyan people, the national and local authorities and institutions and the concerned parties involved in this important step, appreciating, in particular, the role of the “5 + 5” Joint Military Commission in achieving this historic milestone.
It commended the support provided by the Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity led by the Prime Minister.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Jan Kubis, thanked Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba for disbursing the salaries of the security forces.
It saluted the continuous efforts and achievements of the “5 + 5” Joint Military Commission and its subcommittees in order to lay the foundations for lasting peace in Libya.
The Special Envoy indicated that the opening of the coastal road is another step in the way of consolidating peace, security and stability in the country and unifying its institutions.
He said: The outstanding work of the “5 + 5” represents a message to the country’s leaders to put aside their differences and work together; to implement the roadmap and hold elections on December 24.
He noted that in addition to other important confidence-building measures that have been achieved so far, such as the resumption of flights and the exchange of detainees; The opening of the coastal road is a vital step for the further implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed on October 23, 2020, and just as important to facilitate the free movement of trade and provide humanitarian support to the Libyan people.”
The Special Envoy added: The next major step in the ceasefire implementation process is to begin the withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces from Libya without delay by beginning to withdraw the first groups of mercenaries and foreign fighters from both sides.
Prior to the opening of the coastal road, during a call with the Special Envoy; The Joint Military Commission commended the important role played by the Special Envoy and the Mission in supporting its work, and the latter requested the Special Envoy to continue providing support towards the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
The Joint Military Commission called on the mission to facilitate a meeting with the relevant international parties to discuss a plan to withdraw mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces from Libya without delay.
The Joint Military Commission called for the rapid deployment of United Nations ceasefire monitors to support the Libyan-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
The Special Envoy reiterated the commitment of the United Nations and its continued support for the work of the Joint Military Commission, and the United Nations’ support for the Commission’s requests.
Kubis stressed that he will work with all local and international stakeholders to move forward with the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2570 of April 16, 2021 and the Ceasefire Agreement; The mission renews its call to all local and international stakeholders to expedite the implementation of the agreement and support the exemplary efforts of the Joint Military Commission.
