The US envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, said that Libya has one interim government, whose main task is to pave the way for the December 24 elections, and the decision to “withdraw confidence” will not change that, indicating that Prime Minister Abdel Hamid al-Dabaiba is committed to carrying out those duties, ruling out assigning a new government instead of the government of national unity.
Norland confirmed, in an interview with the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, that what he described as the awareness of Libyan politicians about the importance of holding elections, which is the only way to secure legitimacy and push the country forward, pointing out that he is confident that there will be legal legislation soon to organize both presidential and parliamentary elections in order for the Electoral Commission to forget to officially announce the start of the electoral process.
Washington’s envoy announced his country’s current position, which is to help the Libyans conduct fair elections whose results are widely accepted, in addition to assisting in the efforts of all foreign forces to leave Libya, both Russian and Turkish.
The US ambassador categorically denied that Washington had a bet on a candidate in the presidential elections that it would go to support, stressing the right of the Libyans on their own to choose who leads the country, away from any foreign interference.
On a question related to the American proposal to hold the elections in two stages; Norland replied: “Only Libyans have the right to decide their political future and how to reach it, whether it was one or two rounds. The US tried, in the framework of its support for the political process led by the United Nations; to highlight some helpful suggestions and solutions.
Norland responded, with strong reservations, to a question about Turkey’s repeated statements rejecting the exit of its forces from Libya, saying: “The departure of fighters, mercenaries and foreign forces is a goal shared by most Libyans, and it is a clause included in international agreements and conferences on Libya and in international declarations, foremost of which is the decision of the Security Council resolution 2570.
The US envoy attributed the presence of foreign military forces in Libya to several reasons, adding that Washington’s goal, as reiterated by Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken, is to: crystallizes in securing the complete departure of all these military elements, as soon as possible; so that sovereign Libya can make its own decisions regarding the conclusion of any security or military alliance.
Norland expressed the United States’ aspiration to maintain cooperation through a permanent and unified Libyan government after the December elections, stressing the importance of a strong Libyan government capable of imposing full control over its borders, and ensuring the economic growth and political stability required to prevent terrorist activities. and the extremes of radicalization.
He concluded his statements by calling on Libyans to choose who will lead them, and to look at the political philosophies they wish to support, adding that most Libyans are looking for a normal life, without civil war, political turmoil and long queues, and without an increase in infection rates with the Coronavirus, considering that a real battle will revolve around the upcoming elections, which will be supported by the United States.
