Tripoli:Head of the Presidential Council in Libya, Mohammed Al Menfi, has expressed his approval of the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for an additional 12 months. He highlighted the necessity of initiating an inclusive, Libyan-led political process to conclude the transitional period and pave the way for free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Menfi’s statement emphasized that the resolution reaffirms respect for Libya’s sovereignty and national unity, as well as the governing frameworks that underpin the political process. He praised the UN mission’s role in facilitating political dialogue, leading mediation efforts, and the advancements achieved through the mini-track and its preliminary results.

Furthermore, Al Menfi stressed the importance of expanding the base of political consensus, ensuring the participation of all relevant institutions, and avoiding the selection of representatives on their behalf or limiting the political process to a small group of parties. He warned that any agreements not based on national consensus would likely fail to achieve a sustainable political settlement.

Al Menfi also welcomed the Security Council’s focus on unifying state institutions and denouncing unilateral actions that could exacerbate divisions. He commended the condemnation of attacks on civilian facilities and populated areas, along with calls for investigations and accountability for those responsible.

He reiterated that achieving a sustainable political settlement requires an inclusive national process that embraces the full range of political forces. This process should lay the foundation for unifying state institutions and ending transitional periods based on consensus, legitimacy, and the will of the Libyan people.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2835, extending UNSMIL’s mandate for 12 months, with 13 out of 15 Council members voting in favor.