UN Dismisses Rumours of Libya Talks in Tunisia
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has denied reports that it is organising or hosting a political dialogue between Libyan factions in Tunis on 28–29 May.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, UNSMIL said, 'Contrary to recent media reports, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is not organising or hosting any dialogue between Libyan parties in Tunis on 28 and 29 May.'
The clarification comes as the UN mission released a detailed report outlining the proposals of its advisory committee, aimed at resolving key disputes blocking progress toward national elections. The committee, composed of 20 Libyan experts in legal, constitutional, and electoral affairs, held over 20 meetings in both Tripoli and Benghazi across three months.
The report presents four potential pathways to end Libya's prolonged transitional period and pave the way for elections. The first option proposes holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. The second suggests parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution. The third path prioritises adopting a permanent constitution before any elections. The fourth option involves forming a political dialogue committee under the Libyan Political Agreement to finalise electoral laws, executive authority arrangements, and a permanent constitution.
International support swiftly followed the release. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the European Union delegation to Libya welcomed the initiative, describing the advisory committee's proposals as a timely opportunity for Libyans to re-engage in dialogue and revive momentum toward a peaceful, unified, and democratic future.
The EU and its member states' embassies hailed the proposals as a 'significant achievement' in Libya's UN-facilitated political process, calling on stakeholders to constructively engage with the advisory committee's recommendations. Tags: libyaLibyan CrisisTunisiaunsmil
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