Massad Boulos, senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African affairs, said that if Libyan factions agree on the details of the U.S. initiative to unify Libyan institutions and end division, Washington will host both parties for a signing ceremony where the agreement will be announced with President Trump in attendance.
Boulos told Al Arabiya and Al Hadath that the initiative is proceeding in parallel with the United Nations road map laid out by envoy Hanna Tetteh. He said the plan aims to manage a transitional period that will last no more than two to three years.
Boulos emphasized that, despite being known as the U.S. initiative, the plan is fundamentally Libyan-led. Its main goal is to end the split and unite the country’s institutions, territory, and people. He added that Libyans themselves, especially the two groups drafting the initiative, will decide which figures will participate in the settlement process.
While Boulos acknowledged some opposition to the initiative, he said critics lack details about the plan, as Libyan parties have not yet finalized its content. He noted that western Libya faces a particularly complex situation with many influential groups exercising authority in institutions, enjoying popular support, or holding sway on the ground.
Boulos stressed the importance of including all significant parties and stakeholders in the process. He said broad participation is welcome and essential to ensure any settlement’s success. No influential political, popular, or field actors should be excluded.
He also affirmed respect for the House of Representatives and the High Council of State and their leaders, noting their constitutional and legislative roles must continue. He said both bodies would play a central and critical role in the upcoming phase.
Boulos stated that 109 out of 167 House of Representatives members have fully endorsed the initiative, describing this as a significant majority. At the same time, he reiterated the need to involve everyone in the initiative and the subsequent political settlement.