The Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Libya, Leslie Ordeman, accompanied by USAID Libya Representative, John Pennell visited Tripoli on Wednesday.

Ordeman held meetings with the High National Elections Commission, the Ministry of Interior, representatives of civil society organizations, and election observation groups, as well as Oil and Gas Minister, Mohamed Aoun, to discuss US support for the elections, the US Embassy said in a statement.

In various meetings focused on preparations for the December 24th elections, Ordeman noted US support for free and fair elections in support of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum roadmap, and to meet the expectations of the Libyan people. He added, “no foreign government should choose the next government of Libya, which is the right and responsibility of the Libyan people”.

Ordeman discussed with the Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohamed Aoun, ways that the United States and American companies can collaborate in order to strengthen Libya’s energy sector.

Ordeman's visit included a meeting with six civil society representatives to discuss ways in which the US Embassy and the US Agency for International Development in Libya can continue their support and ensure that diverse voices are heard, according to the statement.