The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) congratulated all Libyans inside and outside the country on the 69th anniversary of Libya's Independence Day, stressing the importance of building on the positive progress achieved in the various intra-Libyan tracks.

UNSMIL also urged Libyans in a statement Thursday to end the brutal fighting, move forward with the full implementation of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement; strengthen confidence-building measures, and steadily work towards further improvements in the economic sector.

"Libyans celebrate this national occasion today with one year to go before national elections planned on 24 December 2021, as put forth in the roadmap endorsed by the members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF)." UNSMIL added.

It indicated that while it calls on Libyans to consolidate their efforts and take courageous steps towards national reconciliation, and to look forward to a bright future for all Libyans to live in peace and prosperity, it affirms its full commitment to assisting the Libyan people in building their unified state.

"The Mission will continue to work with all parties to protect the Libyan people and Libya's resources, realize the democratic legitimacy of its national institutions; restore the country's sovereignty; and, end foreign interference." The statement reads.

Libyan Presidential Council's Head Fayez Al-Sarraj, top military officials and politicians of the Government of National Accord attended Thursday a ceremony of the 69th anniversary of Libya's Independence at the Tripoli Martyrs Square, where a number of activities took place, including a military parade of Defense and Interior Ministries' personnel as well as graduation of new Libyan Army cadres.

Al-Sarraj said in a speech at the ceremony that Libyans will always commemorate the sacrifices of the martyrs of February revolution, Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous and Volcano of Rage Operations, hoping they can celebrate next year with the democratic privilege of elections.