The Libyan people themselves that should decide the future of their country through a peace process facilitated by the United Nations, President George Vella said on Thursday.

He was speaking during a meeting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé at Sant’Anton Palace.

The two sides went over the current state of affairs in Libya, with President Vella stressing that a political solution, involving all stakeholders including the Libyan people, must be found to ensure peace and stability in the country. This is not only in the interest of Libya but also for the entire region, including Europe and the whole of the North of Africa, he said.  

President Vella said it is imperative that the current humanitarian situation is addressed as this is causing distress and unnecessary suffering, with thousands of persons being displaced. 

On his part, Special Representative Salamé gave President Vella a detailed account of developments on the ground as they were happening in the last months, as well as his own assessment of the regional and international implications of the situation. 

He appealed for tangible support to his Office from the international community, as this was the only way to ensure rapprochement on the ground and a lasting peace in the country. 

In his concluding remarks, President Vella assured Malta’s support to the invaluable work that Special Representative Salamé and his Office are doing in Libya and within the United Nations fora and reminded Special Representative Salamé of Malta’s readiness to assist in achieving peace and stability in Libya.