UN Mission in Libya regrets delay of announcing unity government by 48 hours

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Monday 18 Jan 2016 - 20:21 Makkah mean time-8-4-1437 Naming Libya's Unity Government delayed (Reuters file image) Tripoli (IINA) – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) voiced regret over the Libyan Presidency Council’s decision to delay the announcement of the Government of National Accord (GNA). "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) takes note of the Presidency Council’s statement of 16 January informing of its decision to postpone announcement of the Government of National Accord (GNA) by 48 hours beyond the deadline stated in the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). While the Mission regrets the delay in announcing the GNA, it urges the Presidency Council to adhere to the new target date it has set itself. In this regard, UNSMIL emphasizes the need for all concerned parties to ensure that the timelines outlined in the LPA are respected," said a UNSMIL statement issued Sunday. Libya is in a critical juncture, and determination to start a new chapter must be accompanied by immediate steps to end political divisiveness and address the numerous security, humanitarian and economic challenges. The formation of a GNA enjoying the support of the Libyans is but the first step, the statement said. UNSMIL called on all relevant political and security stakeholders to hold Libya’s national interests above all considerations, and urged them to utilize the opportunity to halt any further expansion by terrorist groups in the country. AB/IINA