Libya's Presidential Council Head Meets French Ambassador Amid Ongoing Political Efforts

Mohammed Menfi, the Head of Libya's Presidential Council, met with French ambassador Mostafa Mihraje on Saturday to discuss the latest political, economic, and security developments in Libya.

The meeting reviewed steps taken by Menfi to reach a comprehensive political settlement leading to parliamentary and presidential elections in which all Libyans can participate.

The discussions come amid ongoing international efforts to address Libya's crisis and support the country's path towards stability. Earlier this month, the United Nations envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, held talks with Ambassador Mihraje, focusing on Libya's current political and security dynamics as well as the broader regional situation and its potential repercussions on the country.

In addition to the meeting with the French ambassador, Menfi has been engaging with various Libyan and international parties involved. The Libyan Minister of Interior announced coordination with his Tunisian counterpart to reopen the Ras Jdir border crossing. The final statement of the first consultative meeting of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria reaffirmed their rejection of foreign interference in Libya.

Menfi also received the person in charge of running the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as ambassadors and heads of missions accredited to Libya, at the Presidential Council's headquarters. The guests congratulated Menfi on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, wishing peace and prosperity for Libya and commending his continued efforts to bring the views of all Libyan actors closer together with the aim of achieving Libyans' desire to hold elections.

Why this matters: The ongoing political dialogue and international engagement highlight the urgency of finding a way through Libya's political impasse. The stability of Libya is critical not only for its own future but also for the security and stability of the broader region.

The meeting between Menfi and Ambassador Mihraje signifies a collective acknowledgment of the importance of collaborative support for Libya's political process. As Menfi continues to engage with Libyan and international parties involved, the emphasis remains on reaching a comprehensive political settlement that can pave the way for inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections, fulfilling the aspirations of the Libyan people.

Key Takeaways

• Menfi, Libya's Presidential Council head, met French ambassador to discuss Libya's developments.
• UN envoy Bathily held talks with Ambassador Mihraje on Libya's political and security dynamics.
• Menfi engaged with Libyan and international parties, including on reopening Ras Jdir border.
• Libyan, Tunisian, and Algerian officials reaffirmed rejection of foreign interference in Libya.
• Dialogue and engagement aim to find a way through Libya's political impasse and hold elections.