Letter to His Excellency António Guterres JANUARY 20, 2021 •  STATEMENTS AND RELEASES Mr. António Guterres Secretary-General United Nations New York Excellency: This letter constitutes a retraction by the Government of the United States of the letter dated July 6, 2020, notifying you that the Government of the United States intended to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), …

Yesterday, Ambassador Norland spoke over the phone with members of the Fezzan Municipalities Council.  The Ambassador and Mayor Ashraf al-Mosleh (Bent Baya), Mayor Al-shawish Gherbal (Sebha) and Mayor Ahmed Matko Nino (Ubari) discussed recent developments concerning the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and the challenges faced by southern municipalities which feel excluded and marginalized as economic conditions in southern …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release  MEDIA NOTE January 21, 2021 Joint Statement on the Situation in Libya The following joint statement was issued by the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Begin text: The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United …

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The United States was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined in the United States Constitution.  Nevertheless, the previous administration enacted a number of Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations that prevented certain individuals from entering the United States — first from primarily …

Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and Dr. Emad Al-Sayah of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) discussed U.S. support as Libya prepares to hold national elections on December 24, 2021, as agreed by the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF).  Noting Wednesday’s reaffirmation of the democratic transfer of power in the United States, the Ambassador reiterated …

The United States Capitol – JANUARY 20, 2021 11:52 AM EST THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible …

The United States welcomes the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) Advisory Committee’s progress toward the selection of a new interim executive authority.  Their work reflects the clear demands of the Libyan people that it is time to move past the conflict and corruption facilitated by the status quo.  We call on all parties to work …

The Ambassadors of Germany, Italy and the United States and the Charge d’Affaires of France and the United Kingdom, joined by UNSMIL, met virtually with Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj on December 30 to reiterate full support for the success of the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and interrelated economic and security dialogues. The heads of …

Ambassador Norland traveled to Misrata today for meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg, Minister of the Interior Fathi Bashagha, and others to consult on a wide range of issues in the context of progress in intra-Libyan dialogue, and to encourage support for the UN-led process.  In separate meetings with Deputy PM Maiteeg and Minister …

Ambassador Norland and Finance Minister Bomtari met on December 4 and voiced support for the UN Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) call to convene senior Libyan technocrats and policymakers for a much-needed dialogue on the economic challenges facing Libya.  As Libya grapples with challenges related to the exchange rate and budget process, the Ambassador underscored …

The American Chamber of Commerce in Libya (AmCham Libya) hosted a virtual meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and American companies on December 1 to exchange views regarding the evolving political process in Libya and prospects for improving the business climate for U.S. investment.  Ambassador Norland underscored that the ongoing political process in …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 27, 2020 On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on Mohamed al-Kani and the Kaniyat militia in connection with the massacre of hundreds of civilians in recent years. Al-Kani and the Kaniyat militia, which al-Kani leads, are designated pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon …

The Embassy reiterates U.S. support for the National Oil Corporation (NOC) as it fulfills its apolitical and technocratic mandate on behalf of all Libyans.  We also commend the swift action of Libyan forces in response to the armed incursion against the NOC headquarters on November 23.  Attempts by armed groups, political factions, or other institutions …

Ambassador Richard Norland and UNICEF’s new Special Representative for Libya Abdulkadir Musse had an introductory call on Monday to discuss UNICEF’s important work in Libya. The meeting covered a wide range of issues facing children’s health and safety in Libya including vaccine shortages, safety of children migrants, monitoring and reporting on child soldiers, and Covid-19 …

The Embassy welcomes the Libyan agreement reached in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to hold national elections on December 24, 2021, which will enable all Libyans to exercise their sovereign right to choose the country’s leadership and direction. We also applaud the sincere and ongoing efforts of LPDF participants as they seek consensus on …

We are gravely concerned by and closely following media reports that Hanan Al-Barassi, a vocal attorney who actively sought to fight corruption in Libya, was murdered today in Benghazi. Silencing the voices of peaceful activists should not be tolerated and we reiterate our strong commitment to allowing all Libyans, including women and youth, to have …

As the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum prepares to get underway in Tunis, Ambassador Norland spoke with Foreign Minister Siala on Friday to convey the U.S. Embassy’s intention to begin formal consultations with Libyan authorities on the lengthy process to secure property in Tripoli to facilitate long-term U.S. diplomatic engagements in Libya.  “Although we are a …

Ambassador Norland welcomes the courageous efforts of Libyan participants in the Joint Military Commission (JMC) consultations in Ghadames to implement the October 23 ceasefire agreement, realize Libyan aspirations to de-escalate the conflict, and begin to take concrete steps toward the ultimate departure of foreign forces and mercenaries.  This important trajectory will continue when a broad …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 26, 2020 We welcome the announcement of Libyans signing a nationwide, immediate ceasefire agreement at the UN-facilitated 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks in Geneva on October 23. We commend Libyan leadership on all sides for taking this courageous step. We also appreciate the vital role the …

The United States warmly welcomes the permanent, nationwide ceasefire signed at the Joint Military Commission (JMC) talks in Geneva.  This agreement is a major step forward toward realizing the shared interests of all Libyans in de-escalation, stability, and the departure of foreign fighters.  We congratulate the parties on the successful outcome of their negotiations, and …

In a meeting today with the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Stephanie Williams, Ambassador Norland reiterated full U.S. support for the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) process, through which Libyan parties are coming together peacefully to achieve a sovereign Libyan solution to end the conflict, promote transparent management of Libya’s economic resources, and …

As responsible Libyan parties come together in UN-facilitated peaceful dialogue, the U.S. Embassy is encouraged by an apparent sovereign Libyan agreement to enable the National Oil Corporation (NOC) to resume its vital and apolitical work.  In an exchange of letters between Ambassador Norland and Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Haftar, as well as in recent …

During his visit to Tunisia on Wednesday, U.S. Africa Command Commander, U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland to discuss recent political and security developments in Libya. During the meeting, the two spoke via video conference call with newly-appointed Libyan Minister of Defense Salah Eddine al-Namrush …

Ambassador Norland spoke with Libyan political figures and officials on Sunday and Monday to assess progress in operationalizing the statements issued on Friday regarding a ceasefire and resumption of oil production in Libya.  He told Prime Minister Sarraj in a phone call on Sunday that the GNA’s statement, along with that issued by House of …

On Wednesday in Ankara, Ambassador Norland consulted with senior Turkish officials about the urgent need to support Libyan voices genuinely seeking an end to the conflict and return to UN-facilitated political dialogue, with full respect for Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The visit, which followed phone calls between President Trump and President Erdogan, discussed steps …

Ambassador Norland traveled to Cairo today, following recent discussions about Libya between President Trump and President al-Sisi as well as Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Shoukry, to consult with senior Egyptian officials about steps to achieve a lasting ceasefire, realize a full withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries, and support UN-facilitated political dialogue.  With our Egyptian …

On August 7, Ambassador Norland spoke by telephone with Prime Minister al-Sarraj to receive an update on efforts to finalize a Libyan solution that would consolidate a lasting ceasefire, promote transparency in economic institutions, and advance the political process under UN auspices.  The Ambassador commended the Prime Minister’s leadership as responsible Libyan parties come together …

A U.S. delegation, led by National Security Council Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Major General Miguel Correa and Ambassador Richard Norland, held virtual discussions with Libyan officials on August 7 to advance concrete, urgent steps to find a demilitarized solution for Sirte and al-Jufra, and reopen Libya’s oil sector with full transparency.  In separate …

Today, the United States imposed financial sanctions on a network of smugglers contributing to the instability in Libya. These individuals include Libyan national Faysal al-Wadi (Wadi), operator of the vessel Maraya, and his two associates, Musbah Mohamad M Wadi (Musbah) and Nourddin Milood M Musbah (Nourddin), and the Malta-based company, Alwefq Ltd. The U.S. Department …

On behalf of the U.S. Administration, National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien specifically called “on all responsible parties […] to enable the National Oil Corporation to resume its vital work – with full transparency, implement a demilitarized solution for Sirte and al-Jufra, [and] respect the UN arms embargo.” ———————————————————– Statement from National Security Adviser …

Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris today visited Benghazi, Libya to consult with a range of Libyan officials about achieving a demilitarized solution at Sirte and al-Jufra, enabling the National Oil Corporation (NOC) to resume its vital work nationwide, and seizing the opportunity presented by UN-facilitated dialogue to finalize a lasting ceasefire and roadmap for the withdrawal …

Today, Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris visited Misrata, Libya to consult with Libyan leaders about forestalling military escalation in Sirte and al-Jufra; reopening Libya’s energy sector; and intensifying Libyan efforts to demobilize, disarm, and reintegrate violent militias. In meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg and Minister of Interior Fathi Bashagha, Chargé Harris reiterated U.S. support …

As part of the ongoing Berlin process, experts of the Economic Working Group of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya met virtually on July 6, in the presence of Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Williams and National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman Mustafa Sanalla, to reiterate full support for the NOC as it lifts …

U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and Commander of U.S. Africa Command, General Stephen Townsend met with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj on June 22, 2020 in Zuwara, located in western Libya. In the context of escalating foreign intervention in Libya, the meeting focused on current opportunities for a strategic pause in military operations by …

U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland spoke today with Foreign Minister Mohammed Taher Siala to reiterate horror at alleged human rights abuses that have been perpetrated with impunity by parties to the Libya conflict. Ambassador Norland conveyed his deep concern at the mass graves discovered in Tarhouna, at the use of mines and  booby-traps in civilian neighborhoods in southern Tripoli, and …

SPECIAL BRIEFING DAVID SCHENKER, ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS VIA TELECONFERENCE JUNE 11, 2020 Opening Statement on Libya And this week we have also been focused on Libya. Despite the end of the LNA’s siege on Tripoli and last weekend’s event in Cairo, which brought eastern Libyan leaders together and opened the way …

The U.S. Embassy shares immediate concerns about yet another humanitarian crisis in Libya, this time in Sirte. Having worked with Libyans and others in the international community to help Sirte recover following the ISIS occupation, there is a special interest in ensuring the people of this city do not have to experience another devastating battle …

U.S Department of State Special Briefing via Telephone Richard Norland, U.S. Ambassador to Libya June 4, 2020 Moderator:  Good morning and good afternoon to everyone from the Department of State’s Dubai Regional Hub.  I would like to welcome our participants dialing in from the United States and around the world for this on-the-record press briefing with …

US Ambassador Richard Norland on Monday joined the US Ambassador to Tunisia, Donald Blome, in a Memorial Day event at the American Military Cemetery in Tunis. Each year, this ceremony is held to commemorate those brave Americans who died in North Africa during World War II in the fight against tyranny. Today’s event was a …

Ambassador Norland spoke with Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj on May 22 to reiterate the urgent need to end the destabilizing flow of Russian and other foreign military equipment and mercenaries into Libya and welcome the Government of National Accord’s important contributions to defeating terrorism and achieving peace.  As Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister al-Sarraj discussed …

Secretary Pompeo’s Phone Call with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 22, 2020 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of  State Michael R. Pompeo  spoke today with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj  to reiterate U.S. opposition to the continued level of weapons and munitions being brought into the …

The United States announced plans to contribute an additional $6.5 million USD to Libya in support of its COVID-19 response, bringing the total U.S. contribution to over $12 million USD. This $12 million USD in funding will be used to expand Libyan medical authorities’ ability to detect, prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in …

Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ambassador James Jeffrey, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Henry Wooster, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Christoper Robinson On Russian Engagement in the Middle East Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release ON-THE-RECORD-BRIEFING May 7, …

The Embassy welcomes the announcement by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of its successful restructuring of the Brega Petroleum Marketing Company (BPMC), which underscores that a brighter and more prosperous future is possible when responsible Libyan parties come together in peaceful dialogue. The NOC and its subsidiaries must remain apolitical, technically proficient, and appropriately resourced …

Ambassador Norland and HOR Speaker Agilah Saleh spoke on Thursday and agreed on the importance of respect for democratic processes and the need to avoid individual attempts to unilaterally dictate Libya’s political future using armed force. They agreed that there is no military solution in Libya, on rejecting an approach of imposing facts on the …

U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland held a conversation with Libya’s Minister of Planning Taher Al-Jehaimi on April 28 to discuss Libya’s COVID-19 response and the United States’ ongoing commitment to help Libya through the pandemic. There is currently a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the …

U.S. Ambassador Norland and Prime Minister al-Sarraj conferred by telephone today. Ambassador Norland reiterated the U.S. position, affirmed by the UN Security Council, that the Libyan Political Agreement and its associated institutions, including the Government of National Accord (GNA), are the sole internationally recognized framework for Libya’s governance and political transition.   The Ambassador reiterated …

US Ambassador Richard Norland April 23, 2020 Assalamou Alaykom Ramadan Kareem I would like to express my warmest greetings to the Libyan people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. May this month of blessings bring joy, peace and prosperity to you and your family. Unfortunately, many Libyan families are suffering right now …

UNHCR-Libya Chief of Mission Briefs US Ambassador on Support to Vulnerable Populations, COVID-19 Response   US Ambassador Richard Norland convened a virtual meeting on April 20 with Mr. Jean-Paul Cavalieri, Chief of Mission of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya, who briefed the Ambassador and Embassy staff on UNHCR’s critical activities benefiting …

U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland participated in a virtual briefing on April 8 led by the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Country Director, Samer AbdelJaber, who provided an overview of WFP’s crucial food aid for vulnerable families in Libya. Mr. AbdelJaber also described WFP’s ongoing coordination with the National Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Ministry …

Ambassador Norland participated in a virtual meeting on April 3 led by UNICEF’s Special Representative to Libya, Abdel-Rahman Ghandour, who provided Embassy staff with a briefing on UNICEF’s vital assistance to children in Libya. In addition, Mr. Ghandour described UNICEF’s ongoing coordination with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Center …

Ambassador Norland participated in a virtual briefing on April 2 led by the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Libya, Federico Soda, who provided an update on IOM’s crucial and lifesaving assistance to Libya’s most vulnerable populations, including migrants and internally-displaced persons (IPDs). In addition, IOM briefed on the organization’s …

The US will provide $6 million in additional humanitarian assistance to Libya in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Embassy to Libya announced today. These funds will help health officials to prevent the spread of the disease and to respond to those in need who’ve contracted the disease or who are most vulnerable to …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 26, 2020 The U.S. government has rapidly mobilized unprecedented resources to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, both at home and abroad. Today, I am pleased to announce that the United States has made available nearly $274 million in emergency health and humanitarian funding. Along with the …

This is a public letter from the Ambassador of the United States to Libya, Richard Norland, to Libya’s political and military leadership and the people of Libya. I am writing out of deep concern regarding a lethal threat to Libya that looms on the horizon. Without a robust, unified response, COVID-19 could rapidly provoke a …

PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON MARCH 21, 2020 The United States joins the UN Support Mission in Libya in welcoming the decision of Libyan Prime Minister al-Sarraj to endorse an immediate humanitarian cessation of hostilities to allow local authorities to come together in response to the unprecedented public health challenge posed by COVID-19. Libyan …

The Embassies of Algeria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States along with the Delegation of the European Union and the Governments of Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates call on all parties in the Libya conflict to declare an immediate, humanitarian cessation of hostilities as well …

Ambassador Kelly Craft Permanent Representative U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, New York January 30, 2020 AS DELIVERED Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Special Representative Salame for your update on the increasingly alarming situation in Libya. Less than two weeks ago, international leaders gathered in Berlin, where they called for a sustained …

The U.S. Embassy strongly condemns the military escalation in Tripoli in recent days, including the January 4 attack by LNA-affiliated forces against the Hadaba military college that reportedly killed at least 30 students training to be a professional security force for the Libyan capital. We also condemn attacks in recent days against Tripoli’s Matiga Airport …

When students at three schools in downtown Benghazi returned to class last week, they found their classrooms now contained essential equipment like desks, whiteboards, IT equipment, and other vital supplies.  The equipment was provided by USAID to enable the resumption of normal operations at these schools, two of which were previously rehabilitated by UNDP’s Stabilization Facility for Libya …