Statement by the Special Envoy on Libya of the Federal(Germany) Foreign Office

 

Statement by the Special Envoy on Libya of the Federal Foreign Office

The Special Envoy for Libya of the Federal Foreign Office, Christian Buck, stated today (1 July): I wholeheartedly welcome the mediating role played by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, and by UNSMIL in the meeting of the Presidents of the House of Representatives and of the High Council of State in Geneva on 28 - 29 June 2022.  The Presidents achieved a far-reaching agreement on a constitutional basis which would, if finalised, pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya. It is now paramount for the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to resolve the few remaining disagreements quickly and in good faith.  I call on all Libyan political actors to preserve peace and stability, to refrain from any unilateral steps and to engage constructively in talks under UN auspices in order to end the executive impasse and pave the way for elections. I reiterate Germany’s firm rejection of actions that could lead to violence or to greater divisions within Libya, such as the creation of parallel institutions, any attempt to seize power through force, or the refusal of a peaceful handover of power to a new executive formed through a legitimate and transparent process.  Libya’s oil production must be fully restored without delay and economic resources must be managed in a transparent, responsible and accountable manner for the benefit of the Libyan people nationwide. I urge Libya’s leaders to agree on the country’s public spending priorities and to establish a joint revenue management and oversight structure through continued engagement with the Berlin Process Economic Working Group.  Background information  Foreign Minister Baerbock has appointed Christian Buck as the Special Envoy for Libya of the Federal Foreign Office. Dr Buck will represent Germany in international working groups and dialogue formats, including within the scope of the Berlin Process on Libya, in which he has played an instrumental role. He was previously German Ambassador to Libya from 2016 to 2018.