UN Envoy: Libya political meeting fails to meet national aspirations

The meeting of members of the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State held in Tunisia earlier this week does not meet the aspirations of Libyans to bring all parties together, said the UN envoy to Libya on Friday.

Libyan representatives from both councils agreed to hold long-awaited parliamentary and presidential elections in the oil-rich country under controversial electoral laws which are opposed by many Libyans.

Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN envoy told a group of Libyan delegates: "Although the meeting falls short of this aspiration due to reservations expressed by some parties, it could be a step in the right direction, provided the higher interests of Libya are prioritized," according to a reporter from Turkey’s Anadolu news agency.