France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States renewed support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Abdoulaye Bathily, to engage all Libyan institutions and key stakeholders, building on the work of the 6+6 committee.

The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States said in a joint statement today that "the P3+2 stress that discussions on the way forward must be part of the wider UN-facilitated political negotiation."

"The focus of Libya's leaders must be on action to respond to the Libyan people's continuous demands for national presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible," the statement said.

Adding: "We reiterate the need for all players to engage constructively with SRSG Bathily towards securing the necessary political, security and legal environment in order to meet that demand."

Warning against "any unilateral measures"

On Thursday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) warned against "any unilateral measures or attempts to undermine the aspirations of Libyans to hold national elections," after the House of Representatives announced its approval of the roadmap emanating from the 6+6 committee, formed to prepare election laws in cooperation with the High Council of State.

The mission said in a statement that it was aware of the House of Representatives' approval of a roadmap and its announcement of the opening of nominations for a new government, warning of "serious consequences for Libya as a result of any unilateral initiatives to address the political impasse."