UNSMIL Welcomes Release of Public Figures in Libya

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hailed, on Thursday the release of public figuers who were arbitrarily detained in Libya.

In a tweet, the mission said: "We welcome the recent releases of Faisal Gherghab, former head of the Libyan Post Telecom and Info Technology Company, Mohammad al-Qiblawi, head of the General Union of Libya Students, and Mansour Atti, head of the Libyan Red Crescent Society in Ajdabiya, from detention."

UNSMIL added: "The three were illegally detained for prolonged periods." "We call for the immediate release of all inpiduals who are arbitrarily detained. All arrests and detentions must be based on the rule of law, in line with Libya’s human rights obligations."

It is worthy mentioning that the talks between the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS) kicked off in Cairo on Wednesday, in the presence of UNSMIL to discuss an agreement on the constitutional framework necessary for holding general elections in Libya during the coming period.

In this regard, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Libya Stephanie Williams extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Egyptian government for hosting the Libyan peace talks between the parliament and HCS, stressing that the United Nations seeks to find a political solution to the Libyan crisis.

In an opening speech, Williams referred to the role of Egypt and other countries affected by the Libyan crisis, adding that the United Nations seeks, through talks and consultations with partners, to ensure security and stability in Libya.

Moreover, the UN official pointed out that the talks hosted by Cairo constitute a ‘golden opportunity’ for the Libyan Parliament and HCS to achieve a consensus that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people towards stability and security.