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Qatar expresses support for 'free and fair elections' in Libya

Some Libyan politicians are concerned that the country’s historic elections scheduled for Dec. 24 could be delayed.

MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images
Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Government of National Unity Naglaa Al-Manqoush (R) attends a joint press conference with her Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in the Libyan capital Tripoli on May 23, 2021. — MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images

The Qatari government reiterated its support Thursday for Libya’s transitional government and the upcoming elections.

The State of Qatar “expressed hope that free and fair elections would be held to achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people and preserve Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

The Libyan civil war ended in October 2020 with a cease-fire between the internationally recognized Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter. A transitional unity government took office in March and nationwide elections are scheduled for Dec. 24.

The government has faced obstacles recently. A power struggle over the country’s oil reserves is threatening stability and clashes have rocked the capital Tripoli this month. Libyan Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush warned in late August that the elections could be delayed.

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