Italy welcomes UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres’ appointment of seasoned US diplomat Stephanie Williams as his special adviser on Libya, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The move will provide "crucial" support to the war-torn country ahead of polls scheduled for 24 December, which it is hoped will lead to stable democracy, according to the statement.
"Stephanie Williams’ appointment will strengthen the capacity of the UN Mission to effectively assist Libyan institutions on the ground, to ensure that the people of Libya can choose their representatives free of any hindrance," said the statement.
UNSMIL can play a crucial role in the run-up to "free, fair, and simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections" slated for 24 December....supporting inclusive political, security, economic and humanitarian dialogue tracks, the statement underlined.
"The UN plays a crucial role in support of the ongoing Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political process. At this critical juncture, both Libya and the international community will undoubtedly benefit from Stephanie Williams’ vision, experience and previous accomplishments," the statement said.
The statement urged Libyans "to cooperate fully and in good faith with Williams and invited "all international partners" to give her their full support.
Guterres announced on Monday the appointment of Williams, who led talks that resulted in the October 2020 cease-fire deal in Libya. Williams' appointment to the new post follows the resignation on 23 November of UN special envoy to Libya Jan Kubis, who stood down after only 10 months the role.
