By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- The second Berlin Conference on Libya brought together dignitaries from 17 countries with high hopes of resolving the issue of foreign forces in Libya as well as bringing major players together to continue on the path to supporting the North African nation’s bid for lasting peace and stability. The conference, hosted by the UN and Germany on Wednesday, began with opening remarks by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas who reiterated Germany’s support for a politically stable Libya. UN chief Antonio Guterres said: “I will not shy away from any efforts to make sure we overcome any obstacles in the way of sticking to the national elections and to make it possible for the people of Libya to elect officials. Guterres also said ridding Libya of foreign fighters is essential and said: “I urge Libyan and external parties to agree on a comprehensive plan with clear timelines to achieve this goal, which UNSMIL stands ready to support.”
Meanwhile, Libya’s first female foreign minister said that Libya is getting much closer to removing foreign mercenaries and military groups from the country. Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush told the press at the end of the conference: “Hopefully within the coming days, mercenaries from both sides are going to be withdrawing, and I think this is going to be encouraging.” Mangoush added: “We’ve built the trust measurement from both sides and then other steps will follow.” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas cautioned that the withdrawal of mercenaries will happen in a gradual process. Maas said: “I believe that between the Turkish and Russian sides, there was also an understanding that if you stop, this will not mean that everybody will take their mercenaries back overnight.” Maas added that Germany “will not falter” in eliminating foreign mercenaries from Libya. He cautioned that if one side withdraws their mercenaries too quickly that a military imbalance would be the reality.
Libya’s Prime Minister Debeibah urged the international community to take Libya seriously and to respect its sovereignty. He also said that his main goal is to make sure national elections take place on December 24. Debeibah also was in sync with Maas when he reiterated the need to rid his country of all foreign forces and mercenaries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Libya had its best opportunity in years to move forward as a safe and sovereign country. Blinken added: “We share the goal of a sovereign, stable, unified, secure Libya, free from foreign interference,” he said. “It’s what the people of Libya deserve, it’s critical to regional security as well.” Guterres reminded conference participants that free participation in the elections is key to maintaining a lasting peace in Libya along with a community-led reconciliation program.
In a formal statement concluding the conference, the 17 nations attending this second round of talks listed a set of commitments for Libya that included addressing and resolving the roots of the underlying conflict, consolidating Libyan sovereignty, building on progress made, restoring peace and prosperity for all Libyans. It was also agreed that December 24 elections need to take place according to the Roadmap adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) in Tunis in November 2020 with the results accepted by everyone. In addition, all foreign forces and mercenaries must be withdrawn with required constitutional and legislative arrangements made. Other issues that need to be addressed include reforming the security sector as well as transparent and fair allocation of resources across Libya.
The participating countries praised the Libyan parties “for their readiness to turn the page, put behind them past conflicts and take serious steps toward the unification of Libyan institutions and ending the political transition.” They also “reaffirmed their strong commitment” to support Libyans in their process toward becoming a politically, independent and sovereign nation. The most crucial though was participating countries commitment to “refrain from interference in the conflict or in the internal affairs of Libya and urge all international actors to do the same.” Finally, all participants reiterated their support for the UN-led process as well as the participation of the UNSMIL.
