France threatens sanctions for Libyan groups blocking political process

  • 2021-07-15 19:45:12
Those jeopardizing the Libyan political process could face sanctions, the French foreign minister has warned. Jean-Yves Le Drian presided over a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday on Libya’s roadmap out of years of conflict. A ceasefire agreement reached last year led to a transitional government and elections scheduled for December. But progress has faltered with the different sides failing to agree on a legal framework for the polls. Le Drian said real threats were hanging over the political process and they must be dispelled, starting with respecting the electoral calendar. He said those who jeopardized the political process could be subject to sanctions. The minister also called for all foreign fighters to leave the country as was agreed in the ceasefire deal. The UN special envoy to Libya Jan Kubis said many Libyan officials appeared unready to commit to the elections timetable and that some parties were using various tactics to obstruct holding the vote. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh told the meeting that Libya’s security and economic situations have become more stable. But he warned that the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters on Libyan soil is one of the most important obstacles to stability. He called on the international community to support Libya in unifying the military and security institutions.

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