The Head of the UNSMIL, Jan Kubis, said in his opening remarks to the virtual meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) on Wednesday that a protracted stalemate, feeding on mistrust and trading accusations, risks undermining the very essence of their roadmap that should lead Libya to general elections on December 24.

"LPDF’s lack of ability to reach an agreement risks resulting in depriving once again the Libyan people of their right to democratically elect their representatives and restore the long-lost legitimacy of Libyan institutions. It also risks putting into question the LPDF standing, credibility, and relevance." Kubis added.

"It is your responsibility and duty to find common ground. The United Nations is here to assist you and to support you as you endeavor to implement the Roadmap. We might eventually come out with some suggestions based on your proposals with the Legal Committee proposal as the main reference document. But neither the UN nor the international community at large can replace your own political will to move past your differences, live up to your responsibilities, and focus on the most important objective which is to develop a constitutional framework for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections." Kubis told the LPDF members.

He added that he intends to travel again to Libya very soon for consultations with key political and other stakeholders, following which he plans to convene another meeting of LPDF, most likely a physical one provided you signal readiness to work for a compromise.

"We cannot afford another inconclusive outcome. We all are looking forward to listening to the presentations by the members of the Proposal Bridging Committee and to your constructive exchanges. I hope that they will remain focused on what is the primary purpose of this meeting. It is to clarify the constitutional basis for holding the inclusive, free, fair, and transparent elections on 24 December of this year." Kubis said.