UN Calls on Libyan Leaders to Put People's Interests above Individual Interests

The United Nations has urged Libyan officials to prioritize the needs of their people over their own personal interests and strive toward the development of cohesive and trustworthy institutions, according to Anadolu Agency.

"We've been urging all Libyan factions and leaders to prioritize the Libyan people's well-being and interests over their own personal goals." We've made it clear that Libya has lacked cohesive, credible institutions for far too long, and that needs to change," Farhan Haq, the Secretary-deputy General's spokesperson, told reporters yesterday.

He added: "That is why we're pushing to have elections held as soon as possible. That is why we have worked towards making sure that different institutions, including the banking system, work in a unified, centralized way."

The UN official went on to say that part of the UN's broader aim is to ensure that "Libya can once again function as one united country," but that "leaders must work together" to accomplish this.

Due to disagreements over the electoral law and the role of the judiciary, Libya postponed its much-anticipated presidential elections on December 24. New elections had not been scheduled.

On Monday, the Libyan parliament announced that it will vote on a new prime minister for the unity government on Feb. 8.

The move marks the first tangible development in the North African OPEC nation’s convoluted political scene since a landmark presidential election slated for last December was postponed.

Lawmakers will hear from the candidates for the position currently held by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah on Feb. 7.

It was unclear whether the incumbent would agree to the parliament’s move, which comes amid a tug-of-war between the executive and legislative branches over who has the right to decide whether the premier is replaced.

December’s vote was intended to open a fresh page for Libya after a long-awaited cease-fire between rival governments in the country’s east and west brought an end to years of conflict. The delay has again thrown into doubt Libya’s path toward stability.