The United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy announced their welcome for the formation of the new interim government in Libya.
The five countries stated in a joint statement issued on Friday evening that the formation of the new interim government is a vital step, but the road remains long toward achieving peace and stability in Libya. The five Western nations emphasized that the unified executive authority must implement the ceasefire agreement, provide basic public services to the Libyan people, initiate a meaningful reconciliation program, address public budget needs, and organize general elections.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also welcomed the formation of the new interim government in Libya, urging all Libyan and international parties to respect this decision. Guterres stated in a press conference held on Friday evening: "I urge everyone to recognize and accept these results and work with the newly elected authorities... it is extremely important to unify Libya and move forward toward peace."
Earlier on Friday, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum voted in favor of selecting a new interim government, led by Mohammed Menfi as head of the Presidential Council and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah as Prime Minister, during the second round of voting. The list won with 39 votes against 34 votes for competitors, including the Speaker of Parliament in the east of the country, Aguila Saleh, and the Interior Minister residing in the west, Fathi Bashagha. The voting comes as part of UN-led efforts to achieve peace and aims to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24.
