Libyan National Army Says It Is Ready to Engage in Talks on Massad Boulos Initiative
Libya – The General Command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces has issued a statement on the US initiative concerning Libya, affirming that its position toward any political, economic or military track is rooted in preserving Libya’s unity, sovereignty, security and stability, while rejecting any attempt to undermine the armed forces or their achievements.
National Principles Beyond Compromise
In the statement, a copy of which was received by Al-Marsad, the General Command said the Libyan people fully recognise the role of their armed forces in defending the country and protecting its borders and national resources.
It stressed its adherence to firmly established national principles that are not open to compromise, foremost among them Libya’s territorial integrity, security and stability, as well as the sovereignty of the Libyan people over their land.
The statement also underlined the need to safeguard the armed forces and preserve what it described as the country’s hard-won achievements, secured through the sacrifices of those killed and wounded and all those who took part in the Dignity battles to liberate Libya from terrorism.
Approach to Previous Initiatives
The General Command said its position on all previous initiatives concerning Libya’s political, economic, military and other outstanding issues had always been based on strengthening these principles, refusing to surrender any of them or yield to pressure, regardless of its scale or source.
It added that it had offered every possible effort and form of support to any initiative in which it saw even a glimmer of hope for achieving a comprehensive and equitable settlement of unresolved issues.
The ultimate objective, it said, was to move Libya from its current state of protracted crisis toward lasting stability and the establishment of a democratic civil state that protects the dignity and rights of Libyans and guarantees them a decent standard of living.
Praise for Local and International Efforts
The General Command commended all local and international efforts aimed at helping Libyans overcome the divisions obstructing state-building, as well as all initiatives seeking a broad-based formula capable of unifying the country.
It said such efforts should chart a path toward consolidating the foundations of a single state and mobilising national resources in the service of the Libyan people and their aspirations.
A Distinct US Initiative
The statement said the United States had presented, through President Donald Trump’s adviser Massad Boulos, an initiative that was distinct from previous proposals.
The General Command said the initiative was grounded in realism and reflected an understanding of the complexities of the situation on the ground.
It added that discussions with US special envoys had revealed what it described as a significant degree of seriousness on the part of Washington in helping bring an end to Libya’s prolonged crisis, which has continued without resolution or credible signs of a breakthrough through other tracks.
Unifying the Executive Authority
According to the statement, the initiative is broadly centred on unifying the executive authority as a starting point for a comprehensive settlement, while leaving the details to negotiations and further discussions.
The General Command said the proposal deserved an opportunity, arguing that it could provide the missing entry point for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis, which it described as the foremost threat to Libya’s unity, before paving the way for addressing the remaining unresolved issues.
Readiness for Direct Engagement
The General Command announced its readiness to engage directly in any negotiating process concerning the Massad Boulos initiative, with the aim of completing its details and reaching a final formula that serves Libya’s highest national interests.
It said the process should produce a roadmap leading to elections at the earliest possible opportunity, while preserving the national principles outlined in the statement.
Conditions for Success
The General Command concluded by saying it would do everything within its power to ensure the initiative’s success in the service of Libya’s supreme national interest.
It added that this would require the necessary support from the United States, the international community and the relevant Libyan parties, as well as guarantees that the process would be carried through to its conclusion.
