The next round of talks in the search for a comprehensive political settlement in Libya will commence on Monday in Skhirat in Morocco, the Maltese government said in a statement.  It is heartening and commendable to note that both the House of Representatives in Tobruk and the General National Congress in Tripoli have accepted to participate in this new session of the political dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Libya has gone through much fighting, bloodshed and misery in these last four years.  The moment of truth has now arrived and decisions need to be taken.  Libyans are earnestly awaiting a return to normality that lays down an era of peace, progress and prosperity.  This will only be achieved by setting in place effective security arrangements and the establishment of a Government of National Unity. Malta reiterates that there exists no alternative to political dialogue.

Malta is extremely worried by the rise of extremism in Libya.  Recent events that have taken place around Libyan towns and cities have made a political agreement between the warring factions in Libya even more important and urgent. It is also within this context that Malta remains engaged, supportive and fully committed to a comprehensive political settlement in Libya. 

Malta, along with the international community, reiterates its support to the untiring efforts of Bernardino Leon, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General.  Malta sincerely hopes that the new round of talks in Morocco will achieve the desired results in the interests of Libya itself, its neighbouring countries, the Mediterranean and beyond.