The Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Joey Hood, said the United States does not have a position on prospective candidates for Libya elections, scheduled for December 24.
Hood added in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that if Khalifa Haftar chose to genuinely engage in the political process, Libyans themselves would determine whether there could be a role for him to play in the country’s future.
for However, we would note that Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi is designated under UN and US sanctions, and remains subject to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity for the commission of murder and persecution of civilians.
Hood indicated that Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi is designated under UN and US sanctions, and remains subject to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity for the commission of murder and persecution of civilians.
"National elections on December 24 are critical to democratic progress and Libyan unity by allowing people throughout the country to have a voice in shaping Libya’s future. We believe the political process must be Libyan-owned, Libyan-led, and free from foreign interference or influence." The US official added.
He said Libya’s leaders must make key preparations to ensure successful nationwide elections in December, including determining a constitutional basis and the election law that will govern them, adding that they must make the necessary compromises to meet the Libyan people’s expectation of free and fair elections, an essential step towards a stable, unified, and democratic Libya.
"We are in discussions with European and regional allies, the interim Libyan government, the UN, and others on how progress can be made towards a sequenced and balanced withdrawal of all foreign forces and fighters." Hood added.
