Jordan Daily – Libyan Democratic Institute Chairman, Moin Kikhia, today welcomed the “careful thought and vision” displayed by UN Deputy Special Envoy for Libya, Stephanie Koury in her presentation to the UN Security Council, but warned that a lasting solution to Libya’s political and regional divisions remain a “hugely challenging task”.
Mr Kikhia said in a statement seen by Jordan Daily, that it was entirely right that Ms Koury had insisted that there must be Libyan ownership of any way forward, adding that the creation of the proposed advisory committee, drawn from across Libyan society, could be an important first step. “But there will certainly be powerful interests who will not accept change they see as harmful. Their engagement in the process, and their acceptance of its outcome will also be critical to its success.”
He also stressed the importance of recognition of Libya’s unique geographic, cultural, social and political patterns. “We are a country of 700,000 square miles, but with a national population of less than seven million – barely three quarters that of London. This means that issues of security and good governance must have strong, localised elements. Unity and truly representative democracy will be essential, but so too will be a degree of regional autonomy that recognises the particular requirements of any effective administration of our country.”