
The US ambassador to Libya Richard Norland. AFP
Ambassador Norland addressed questions from Ahram Online and highlighted that "The need for unity in flood reconstruction in Libya now matches the need for political unity. We're witnessing increased activity in crucial Libyan institutions like the House of Representatives and the High State Council, primarily focused on adopting electoral laws for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections."
Norland further added, "Although there is ongoing debate about the status of these laws, we believe it's the right time for key Libyan leaders to convene and discuss these electoral laws."
"Additionally, establishing a technocratic caretaker government that guides the country through the elections is critical. It must involve all key partners; it should not be about imposing one party's agenda, as we saw last year, which resulted in bloodshed."
When questioned about the prospects of elections in Libya and potential objections to candidates like Saif al-Islam Qadhafi or Khalifa Haftar, Ambassador Norland emphasized the United Nations' positive role.
"The UN is ready to facilitate a constructive process," he said. "SRSG Bathily has proposed compromises and a negotiation platform for key parties to work towards elections together."
The American diplomat stressed that building a credible roadmap to elections would take time but was achievable with buy-in from key leaders. He highlighted the importance of key players such as the House of Representatives, the High State Council, the Presidential Council, the Government of National Unity, and the LNA to all discussions on Libya's reconstruction and political unity.
Regarding General Haftar's visit to Moscow and the influence of the Wagner Group in Libya, Ambassador Norland urged Libyan leaders engaging with Russian counterparts to question the role of Wagner in the country.
He emphasized the need to reunify the Libyan military, starting with a joint force to patrol the south, and mentioned ongoing discussions in forums like the Berlin Process Security Working Group.
Norland clarified that the role of figures like General Haftar in Libya's political process should be decided by Libyans themselves, with the United States engaging with all key leaders. He reiterated the goal of helping SRSG Bathily bring key actors to the table to create a credible roadmap to elections.
Turning to the situation in Derna, he highlighted the United States' commitment to providing $12 million in humanitarian aid and engaging in diplomacy, development, and defence efforts. The US has been a significant donor to flood-affected communities in Derna and eastern Libya, airlifting over 29 metric tons of humanitarian supplies to Benghazi.
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