PRESS RELEASE
Ambassador Norland spoke with Libyan political figures and officials on Sunday and Monday to assess progress in operationalizing the statements issued on Friday regarding a ceasefire and resumption of oil production in Libya. He told Prime Minister Sarraj in a phone call on Sunday that the GNA’s statement, along with that issued by House of Representatives Speaker Agila Saleh, represented very positive developments and agreed with the Prime Minister on the need for the UNSMIL-hosted “5+5” format to focus immediately on modalities of a ceasefire and how to establish an effective demilitarized solution in central Libya that begins the process of de-escalation and departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
Foreign Minister Siala told Ambassador Norland in a phone call that Libya welcomed the positive reactions from so many foreign states to Friday’s announcements, and agreed with the Ambassador on the importance of supporting the UN-led negotiations process.
In a call with Ihya Libya chairman Dr. Aref Nayed on Monday, the Ambassador discussed the growing political pluralism in Libya as Dr. Nayed and Speaker Saleh expand the range of voices calling for a genuine intra-Libyan dialogue in support of a political solution to the conflict.
In a call with NOC chairman Sanalla, the Ambassador confirmed U.S. support for arrangements that would permit immediate resumption of oil production with a transparent mechanism to ensure that revenues remain frozen pending negotiations between the Libyan parties on future distribution of resources. Ambassador Norland shared U.S. concern over alarming electricity shortages, especially in the context of the growing COVID-19 pandemic, and supported the right of citizens anywhere in the country to engage in peaceful protest. He urged Libyan leaders to work together to address the pressing needs of the people at a time of real opportunity for the country.