Second Berlin Conference on the Libyan crisis concludes

BERLIN — On Wednesday, with the participation of 15 countries and four international organizations, the work of the Second Berlin Conference on Libya took place The participants included the newly formed Libyan government, the U.S., Russia, China, the U.K., Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in addition to the U.N., NATO, the African Union, and the League of Arab States.

The parties exchanged views on the Libyan crisis, with some offering assistance in hopes preventing renewed physical conflict.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba called on the international community to support his government’s efforts to organize elections on time, taking into account respect for Libyan sovereignty, warning that some internal differences are yet to be overcome.

Al-Dabaiba added that the narrow interests of some parties negatively affect the path towards lasting peace. In addition, a government budget has not been approved and ministerial positions have not yet been chosen.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas pointed out that the existence of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Libya have not yet been fully implemented, explaining that the challenges in the country are many, including the unification of military forces and infrastructure reform.

European Union High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy Josep Borrell affirmed the EU’s readiness to help Libya achieve stability and ensure the exit of mercenaries from the country, which will also contribute, the Union believes, to a reduction in illegal immigration from North Africa.

All participants highlighted the importance of upholding the ceasefire, seeing all foreign forces leave the country, and for elections to be held on 24 January 2022 as scheduled.