Tripoli, October 31 (QNA) - Head of the Presidential Council in Libya Mohammed Al Menfi welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for 12 months, underscoring the need to launch an inclusive, Libyan-led political process that would bring the transitional period to a close and pave the way for free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a statement, Al Menfi said the resolution reaffirmed respect for Libya's sovereignty, national unity, and the governing frameworks underpinning the political process. He commended the UN mission's role in facilitating political dialogue and leading mediation efforts, as well as the progress made through the mini-track and its preliminary outcomes.

In addition, Al Menfi reemphasized the importance of broadening the base of political consensus, ensure the participation of all relevant institutions, and refrain from selecting representatives on their behalf or restricting the political process to a limited group of parties.

He cautioned that any understandings not grounded in national consensus would fail to ensure a sustainable political settlement.

Al Menfi welcomed the Security Council's emphasis on unifying state institutions and repudiating unilateral measures that could deepen divisions, commending the condemnation of attacks targeting civilian facilities and populated areas, along with calls for investigations and accountability for those responsible.

Achieving a sustainable political settlement, Al Menfi emphasized, requires an inclusive national process that accommodates the full spectrum of political forces and lays the groundwork for unifying state institutions and ending transitional periods on the basis of consensus, legitimacy, and the will of the Libyan people.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2835 on Friday, extending UNSMIL's mandate for 12 months, with 13 of the 15 Council members voting in favor. (QNA)