Inter-Libyan Dialogue in Bouznika: ‘Positive’ Precedent on Which We Can Capitalize to Reach Solution to the Crisis (FM)

PERSISMA, Bouznika – The inter-Libyan dialogue, whose second round sessions continue in Bouznika between the delegations of the High Council of State and the Libyan House of Representatives, is a “positive” precedent on which we can capitalize, as an approach to move towards a solution to the crisis in this country, said Monday, minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

At the beginning, nobody was betting on the Inter-Libyan Dialogue when some have already criticized it as a failure, Bourita said at a press conference following a session of the talks, attended by members of the two delegations and the UN representative in Morocco, noting, however, that thanks to the willingness of both parties, their positive spirit, and the support of the presidents of the two delegations, a major breakthrough has been achieved.

These accomplishments inspire “admiration and pride” in that they demonstrate that members of both delegations have put forward their country’s interest and are looking for solutions, Bourita added, noting that these elements were instrumental in achieving this progress.

The minister also stressed the need to sustain and preserve the positive momentum created by the inter-Libyan dialogue, which “bodes well,” emphasizing the role of international support and encouragement for these talks from countries as well as regional and international organizations.

Bourita stressed, in this regard, that the inter-Libyan dialogue has had a positive echo among Libyans, who saw in it a “glimmer of hope and optimism,” highlighting the role of all parties who have accompanied the dialogue in a constructive and positive manner since the beginning, including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and its head Stephanie Williams who ensures a permanent follow-up as she encourages this Dialogue, which she sees as an important turning point in the stalemate experienced by the Libyan issue.

The minister also recalled the position of Morocco vis-à-vis the Inter-Libyan Dialogue, saying in this sense that the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI have always been clear with regard to the Libyan issue, particularly in relation to this Dialogue.

Addressing the members of the two delegations, Bourita stressed that these High Royal Instructions “consist in fully supporting your efforts, standing at your side and mobilizing to make your Dialogue a success without interference, influence or pressure, but even more so by protecting this Dialogue from any negative interference that undermines its positive spirit”.

“Morocco, which works under the aegis of the United Nations, prefers to support inter-Libyan dialogues rather than those around Libya, the former are fundamental and the latter are complementary,” said Bourita, considering that the Inter-Libyan Dialogue of Bouznika is an integral part of the action led by the UN to advance towards the solution of the crisis.

In this regard, Bourita told the members of the two Libyan delegations that “confidence in your patriotic spirit will make it possible to overcome all the difficulties you may face (…) and you are on the verge of finalizing a historic agreement on all the details of Article 15 of the Skhirat Agreement, which we hope will be signed very soon and which will constitute a fundamental basis for unifying the Libyan institutions”.

The important progress achieved has given rise to expectations among Libyans and the international community, especially in this difficult context marked by the Covid-19 crisis and a delicate socio-economic situation from which the Libyan people particularly suffer, he went on, considering that the achievements made open promising horizons for the success of this process, and pave the way for negotiations on other issues to overcome the pitfalls facing the resolution of the crisis.

For his part, speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Youssef El Akkouri expressed his thanks to Morocco for everything it has presented and continues to present for “peace, harmony, stability and security in Libya,” saying that the Kingdom will always remain a country of generosity to establish peace and unite Libyans.

Chairman of the delegation of the Libyan High Council of State, Fawzi Al-Agab, highlighted the key role of the Libyan talks, which have achieved significant progress on the criteria for choosing the occupants of the sovereignty posts, adding that the debate continues to reach a consensus, common formula on these criteria.

The presidents of the two delegations also expressed their thanks to the United Nations for its efforts to put an end to the crisis in Libya.