Latest news with #stability
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Libya: Youth stress the need for a clear and realistic roadmap in online consultation led by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General – Political (DSRSG-P) Koury
As part of its series of dedicated youth consultations, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General – Political, Stephanie Koury, held an online consultation on Sunday with fifty-seven young men and women from across the country to discuss their ideas on the next steps in the political process. All participants were encouraged to complete the online poll [ link ] and share it with their friends and families to ensure all community voices are heard by the Mission while designing the roadmap. A primary concern highlighted by participants was the volatile security situation and the need to prioritize stability to create an environment conducive to political progress. They further stressed the need for a clear and realistic roadmap with a mechanism for including those who are marginalized or have previously been excluded from the political process, and decision-making. 'Inclusion should not be symbolic, it should be built into every part of government,' said one participant, adding, 'we cannot build a lasting peace while regions, tribes and communities are under-represented or excluded.' Participants also flagged the importance of tackling the worsening economic situation, noting a degradation of services and the lack of transparency in managing public resources. They further stressed the need to integrate a security dimension in the economic approach to provide youth with viable alternatives. 'We must integrate young people who have joined armed groups back into society and state institutions,' said one participant. 'We have to provide them with better economic opportunities.' In May, UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee's Report which outlines four proposed options to move the political process forward: Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously; Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution; Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution. The different options presented by the Advisory Committee were broadly appreciated by the participants, with participants conveying different preferences. Participants also highlighted that working on the constitution was crucial to the process – some said that should come first, others after a parliamentary election. While several expressed support for option 4, some also raised concerns that any dialogue forum created through option 4 would become permanent. In this regard, they emphasized the need for guarantees to prevent repeating past mistakes and put the country on a path of real change. Participants also criticized UNSMIL for not putting forward a roadmap at the UN Security Council briefing on 24 June, saying that they did not want to wait any longer. DSRSG Koury explained that the SRSG will be presenting the roadmap to the Security Council in her briefing in August, stating that we are moving forward as soon as possible but that the Mission also wanted all Libyans to participate in developing the upcoming roadmap. 'It is important that sufficient consensus is built on a way forward and this includes through consultations like this, which we will be holding more of over the next month, to ensure that we reach as many people as possible. This process is about the Libyan people and for the Libyan people,' Koury said. DSRSG Koury further explained that Libya is not under chapter 7 in relation to the political process, but only for arms embargo and assets freeze, and thus, our role is to support and facilitate a Libyan led political process that addresses the Libyan people's needs and aspirations. Further youth consultations will be taking place throughout July with more information available here. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
LBCI
11 hours ago
- Business
- LBCI
PM Salam outlines reform and recovery vision: Border security, IMF deal, and $250M reconstruction loan
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said from the Economic, Social and Environmental Council that 'true salvation is only possible through real reform that lays the foundation for a real state,' stressing that stability cannot be achieved amid ongoing Israeli violations. He noted that diplomatic efforts are being intensified to implement U.N. Resolution 1701 and to initiate reconstruction, adding that the state—consistent with the Taif Agreement and its ministerial statement—is continuing its efforts to extend its authority and ensure that arms are under its sole control. Salam announced the launch of direct cooperation with the Syrian side to secure the border, combat smuggling, and facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees. He said the government's goal is to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund during its term. 'Our immediate priorities include expanding public-private partnerships,' he added, noting that IMF negotiations are progressing responsibly and that Lebanon is preparing to host an investment conference this fall. Salam also stated, 'My visits, along with President Aoun's, to several countries aimed to restore Lebanon's place in the Arab and international spheres.' He revealed that the master plan for Qlayaat Airport had been completed in preparation for its launch and that visits were made to the south, north, and Bekaa to assess local needs. The Prime Minister added that Lebanon has secured a $250 million loan from the World Bank for reconstruction, pending approval. 'The reconstruction project cannot be completed without contributions from our Arab brothers,' he said, noting that preparations are underway for an international reconstruction conference based on a clear vision.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets President of Somaliland
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Monday with HE President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who is visiting the country. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Somalia and discussed the importance of supporting efforts aimed at achieving security and stability there, as well as ways to enhance communication and build trust between the various parties. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar's belief that Somalia's future is built through openness and constructive communication among all its components, to ensure respect for the sovereignty and national unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
President El-Sisi Meets Commander-in-Chief of Libya's National Army Field Marshal Haftar
Today in Al-Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The meeting was attended by Libya's Chief of Security Units Staff, Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, and Libya's Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, as well as Egypt's Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting underscored the special and close brotherly relations between Egypt and Libya. President El-Sisi reiterated that Libya's stability is an integral part of Egypt's national security. The President stressed that Egypt is exerting utmost efforts, in coordination with Libyan parties and the General Command of the Libyan National Army, to reinforce security and stability in Libya, preserve its unity and sovereignty, and restore its development path. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's full support for all initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's commitment to preserving the unity and cohesion of Libyan state institutions, reaffirming the vital need to strengthen coordination among all Libyan parties to develop a comprehensive political roadmap, paving the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. President El-Sisi underlined the urgent need to counter foreign interference and work to facilitate the departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's appreciation for the national role played by the Libyan National Army in combating terrorism, which contributed to eliminating terrorist organizations in eastern Libya. Field Marshal Haftar voiced his profound appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in restoring security and stability in Libya. He lauded Egypt's unyielding efforts in supporting and assisting the Libyan people since the outbreak of the crisis, grounded in the historical relations that unite the two brotherly peoples. Field Marshal Haftar also valued Egypt's active contribution to transferring its development experience to Libya and benefiting from the expertise of leading Egyptian companies. He affirmed commitment to overcoming challenges and realizing the Libyan people's aspirations for stability and prosperity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China's top diplomat visits Europe pitching closer ties in 'volatile' world
China's top diplomat heads to Europe on Monday for a visit which Beijing said will highlight ties as an "anchor of stability" in a world in turmoil. Wang Yi's tour will take him to the European Union's headquarters in Brussels as well as France and Germany as China seeks to improve relations with the bloc as a counterweight to superpower rival the United States. But deep frictions remain over the economy -- including a yawning trade deficit of $357.1 billion between China and the EU -- and Beijing's close ties with Russia despite Moscow's war in Ukraine. "The world is undergoing an accelerated evolution of a century-old change, with unilateralism, protectionism and bullying behaviour becoming rampant," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday -- a thinly veiled swipe against the United States under President Donald Trump. In that context, Guo said, Beijing and the European bloc must "keep the world peaceful and stable, safeguard multilateralism, free trade, international rules, fairness and justice, and act firmly as anchors of stability and constructive forces in a volatile world". Wang will meet with his EU counterpart, Kaja Kallas, at the bloc's headquarters in Brussels for "high-level strategic dialogue". In Germany, he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on diplomacy and security -- his first visit since Berlin's new conservative-led government took power in May. And in France, Wang will meet minister for Europe and foreign affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, who visited China in March. The war in Ukraine will likely be high on the agenda, with European leaders having been forthright in condemning what they say is Beijing's backing for Moscow. China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in Russia's more than three-year war with Ukraine. But Western governments say Beijing's close ties have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support, and they have urged China to do more to press Russia to end the war. - Trade tensions - Ties between Europe and China have also strained in recent years as the EU seeks to get tougher on what it says are unfair economic practices by Beijing. After the European bloc placed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, China retaliated with its own duties, including on French cognac. An agreement on cognac has been reached with Beijing but not formally approved by the Chinese commerce ministry, a source in the French economy ministry told AFP. The source said finalization was partially linked with the EU's ongoing negotiations over EVs. Tensions flared this month after the EU banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than five million euros ($5.8 million), in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market. The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covered a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks to X-ray machines, that represent a market worth 150 billion euros in the EU. In response, China accused the European Union of "double standards". Another sticking point has been rare earths. Beijing has since April required licences to export these strategic materials from China, which accounts for almost two-thirds of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency. The metals are used in a wide variety of products, including electric car batteries, and there has been criticism from industries about the way China's licences have been issued. China has proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the EU, its commerce ministry said this month. bur-oho/je/sco
