U.S. Advisor Says Positive Progress Made in Libya Negotiations

Mesud Bulus, the U.S. presidential advisor for Arab and African affairs, said Saturday that positive progress has been achieved in negotiations between parties in Libya. Bulus cited concrete steps toward unifying state institutions, saying this could strengthen political and security stability in the country. Bulus expressed optimism that Libya is moving toward a local solution. He said he hopes institutions can be unified and that parliamentary and presidential elections can be held at a time Libyans deem appropriate. Political division has persisted in Libya since 2022, with disputes over authority and legitimacy continuing between the internationally recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the National Stability Government in Benghazi. No consensus has been reached on drafting election laws or establishing a new executive authority.