US envoy to Libya, ambassador Richard Norland, has congratulated Libya on its Independence Day, noting “with regret that two years have passed since the postponement of elections scheduled for 24 December 2021.”
Norland said his country “shares the disappointment of the Libyan people that key Libyan actors have not yet found a way to heed popular demands and reach a compromise to enable free and fair elections giving the entire nation the right to choose its own leaders.”
“We believe now is the time for these actors to put aside differences and come together for the good of the country. We urge them all to accept SRSG Abdoulaye Bathily’s invitation to participate in talks in a spirit of goodwill and make the necessary but difficult compromises to reach consensus and advance the political process,” Norland stated.
“The Libyan people have suffered terribly in the wake of the devastating flooding that hit eastern Libya. The solidarity they demonstrated was a clear reminder that Libyans remain united. We urge Libyan leaders to show similar unity of purpose and fulfill their responsibilities to the Libyan people in order to deliver long-term stability, security, and prosperity,” he added.