Second Round of Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Begins

The second round of Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) is set to begin today Monday via a virtual platform under the auspices of the United Nations, according to the UN Support Mission in Libya UNSMIL's statement.

The aims of the meeting are to reach a consensus for selecting the new members of the Presidential Council, the Government of National Unity, as well as an agreement on the names of those who will assume senior positions.

"The meeting aims at reaching a comprehensive political agreement to end the crisis," the UNSMIL said last week. The UNSMIL head has called on Libyan officials and the Libyan people, not to allow "those who insist and fight by all means to keep the situation as it is and to steal from the Libyans this opportunity."

Earlier today, France, Germany, Italy and UK said in a joint statement that they will take "measures" against those who obstruct the LPDF.

"We are ready to take measures against those who obstruct the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and other tracks of the Berlin process, as well as those who continue to plunder state funds or commit human rights abuses and violations throughout the country," the joint statement said.

Last week, the UN-brokered political talks between Libyan rivals ended without reaching a firm agreement. The talks are over mechanisms for choosing a new government. Williams has said in a press conference that it was agreed to continue the political dialogue because it is “the only solution to the Libyan crisis.”