Libyen

The surge of hope inspired by the remarkable breakthrough in Libya’s year-old peace process is starting to fade as negotiations to enable viable elections on 24 December bog down. Analysts now think that Libyans and the international community became too optimistic – and complacent – after significant milestones were reached.

The forum is again trying to agree on a constitutional framework to govern the crucial parliamentary and presidential elections in December.

Libya's warring sides reopened the main coast road across the frontline on Friday, a key element of a ceasefire they agreed last year that has involved months of negotiations. … The road, which stretches along the length of Libya's coastline, the most populated part of the country, was cut between the cities of Misrata and Sirte, where the frontline stabilised last summer.

“Nine months after the ceasefire agreement calling for withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, mercenaries and private military and security contractors continue to operate in the country” said the chair of the UN’s Working Group on the use of mercenaries, Jelena Aparac. 

The spokeswoman for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Nabila Massrali, said on Monday that the European Union (EU) is not planning on sending a military mission to Libya to prop up the ceasefire in the country. … Earlier on Monday, EU Observer website said The European Union (EU) is firming up plans for a military mission to Libya in order to compete for influence with foreign powers there, according to a leaked paper seen by the website.

The United Nations envoy to Libya, Jan Kubis, warned in his speech at the UN Security Council Thursday of the collapse of the Libyan ceasefire agreement and the inability to hold elections on time.

The U.N. Security Council urged the Libyan transitional government on Thursday to complete the necessary groundwork to hold national elections on time in December, as concerns grow that they could be postponed. … Elections are scheduled for December 24 — 70 years to the day since Libya declared independence in 1951.

Libyan expectations are high and candidates are beginning to express interest in running for the elections scheduled for December this year. These have been delayed three years following a military campaign on the capital Tripoli by renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar’s Tobruk-based government in the east.

The conference, hosted by Germany and the United Nations, included officials from 17 countries and reinforced support for national elections in Libya scheduled for late December. … An official statement from conference attendees said “all foreign forces and mercenaries need to be withdrawn from Libya without delay,” but on that point Turkey noted its reservations.

The EU has warned that anyone judged to be delaying elections in Libya beyond the planned date of 24 December will be at risk of sanctions, ahead of an important meeting of foreign ministers intended to tighten the screw on those obstructing either elections or the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country.