The constructive political dialogue in Libya has no alternative
06 March 2014 News
Bulgaria consistently supports the processes of democratization in Libya and considers that the constructive political dialogue has no alternative in achieving peace and stability, said Minister Kristian Vigenin in his statement at the International Ministerial Conference on Support to Libya, held today in Rome. Bulgaria supports and will continue its support for the political process but at the same time we note with concern that it is not going as fast as expected, he added.
According to Minister Vigenin, the deteriorating security situation and the heavy social and economic environment are among the main obstacles faced by Libya. He expressed hope that the conference will give the needed impetus and will help to better streamline the common effort towards achieving the already set objectives.
Despite the successfully completed transition process outlined in the Constitutional declaration, the international community stands ready to assist in the efforts for consolidating the democracy and the creation of a stable and prosperous state based on national reconciliation, justice and respect for human rights and the rule of law, said the Bulgarian Foreign Minister.
Kristian Vigenin pointed out that the first step in that direction has already been made with the election of a Constitutional drafting assembly in Libya, whose main task is to prepare a new constitution. “Now the top priority for Libya should be to agree on a road map – to set clear objectives with clearly identified responsibilities to include the drafting of a new Constitution; conducting the referendum for its adoption, as well as organizing the parliamentary and presidential elections,” he said.
According to Minister Vigenin, along with the strengthening of the governance in Libya, ensuring security remains key. At this stage an essential priority is that the Libyan needs in the security sector are met, namely strengthening border control, and more effective Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration process.
We will support the efforts and the plans for creating centralized security institutions, as well as a new Libyan army, said Minister Kristian Vigenin, emphasizing that Bulgaria, in cooperation with the U.S. is preparing the training of Libyan troops, which will contribute directly to the objective of establishing Libyan state monopoly over the use of armed force and the demilitarization of the Libyan society.
Minister Vigenin reiterated Bulgaria’s readiness to assist the Libyan people in successfully achieving a transition to democracy, stability and prosperity, emphasizing that in order to accomplish this goal a more engaged dialogue with the key stakeholders in the region is required. “We hope that today’s conference will be of significant importance to identify Libya’s responsibilities, as well as the commitments of the international community. We are ready to do our part and expect Libya to do the same,” he said in conclusion.
The adopted conclusions at the end of the conference included that in Libya there is an urgent need to build a broad consensus on the management of the transition period in order to ensure legal transfer of power to the newly elected government, which will help stabilize the current situation in the country to maintain democratic process and refrain from using violence in the political process. The forum participants emphasized that the comprehensive process of national dialogue and reconciliation is a key for the stabilization process in the country and the international partners will support it in full respect of the Libyan sovereign authorities through coordinated contribution.