Abu Dhabi: The UAE is committed to the stability and prosperity of Libya and the Libyan people, fully cognizant that a stable and moderate Libya will contribute positively to the region and the international community, a senior UAE official has said.
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Thursday confirmed in a statement that the “UAE has consistently supported the process for peace and moderation in the effort towards a successful transition that benefits the Libyan people and the region.”
He further stated: “Our support to this cause began in 2011 and as part of the international efforts, and our subsequent engagement on Libya has developed as a continuation of that policy. The UAE reaffirms its position in support of the efforts of the international community and the United Nations-led process to bring about an equitable political solution for the Libyan people -- and will continue to work relentlessly with its regional and international partners to that end. We ask all Libyan parties to honour their commitments in order to reach a conclusive political solution overseen by the UN and supported by the international community.”
Gargash continued: “In our commitment, we have duly observed various parameters: cooperation with the regional powers, reaching out to all moderate elements of the Libyan political spectrum, observance of related UN resolutions, and working diligently to support the process.”
“The UAE urges all Libyan parties to approve without further delay or amendments the agreement of Skhirat on a political solution to the crisis in Libya."
He said: “The UAE urges all sides to pursue constructive cooperation with the United Nations to achieve security, stability and prosperity in Libya. Under the UN’s leadership, much progress has been made to these ends. The UAE understood very early on the danger of instability, chaos, extremism and terrorism and has urged in all its engagements the necessity for regional and international cooperation to address these challenges.”
Gargash concluded that the “UAE acknowledges the leadership of the UN Secretary-General and commends the work and patience of his outgoing UN envoy Bernardino Leon, and his diligent pursuit of a political settlement in Libya throughout the difficult process and believes that his fortitude and professionalism should be recognised.”