CAIRO: The Arab League has urged Libyan parties to uphold the national interest, following the postponement of elections that were scheduled for Dec. 24.
The league’s general secretariat said Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit is following developments in Libya that prevented the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections.
He said Libya is going through a dangerous juncture that requires cooperation so that elections can take place as soon as possible so as to achieve the interests of its people.
Aboul Gheit urged all parties to adopt dialogue as the only means of resolving their disputes. He stressed that stability in Libya is needed in order to facilitate the democratic process, and that it is necessary to have a national consensus on the legal and procedural rules for the elections, and then respect and abide by the results.
Aboul Gheit said the international will stresses the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections on time, and the withdrawal of foreign forces, as necessities for Libya’s stability.
Libyans nationwide held mass demonstrations on Saturday against the postponement of the elections. The Electoral Commission has suggested postponing the polls until Jan. 24.
