Libyan Rivals Meet to Consolidate State Budget

It is expected that the finance ministers of the two Libya governments, with the governor of the Central Bank in Benghazi, a representative of the Central Bank in Tripoli, a representative of the Ministry of Planning, and a number of officials in the two governments will meet in the city of Brega to discuss ways to consolidate the state's general budget, according to Al Etihad Press.

The meeting between the two governments is the first in 6 years. They are seeking to implement the economic reforms program agreed upon with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Economic Working Group (EWG).

Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Williams announced the establishment of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum’s (LPDF) Advisory Committee.

Williams thanked the LPDF members for their active and constructive participation.

According to a statement, UNSMIL received a total of 28 nominations from the LPDF. It commended the enthusiasm demonstrated by the LPDF members in the nomination process.

In line with the LPDF’s core principle of inclusivity, the Mission has expanded the membership of the Advisory Committee to 18 members to ensure broad geographical and political persity as well as the participation of women, youth, and cultural components.

According to the UNSMIL statement, the Committee’s mandate will be strictly time-bound. Its main mission shall be to discuss outstanding issues related to the selection of a unified executive and to put forward concrete and practical recommendations upon which the plenary shall decide.

UNSMIL confirmed that the date of the national elections of December 24, 2021 remains a sine qua non for UNSMIL, a guiding principle, and unrenounceable goal.