ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for concerted efforts towards uniting the Libyan people to advance the political process and reconciliation among the various factions in the North African nation.
"The ceasefire in and around Tripoli brokered by the United Nations is still holding," the UN chief told African leaders who have gathered at the headquarters of the AU in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa for the 32nd African Union (AU) assembly summit from Feb. 10 to 11.
"It is the time to help unite the Libyan people to advance the political process through a National Conference paving the way for reconciliation and future elections," Guterres said, urging African leaders to step up efforts under the umbrella of the AU.
"Our efforts have helped stabilize the currency, brought some measure of economic relief and enabled a realistic prospect for security reform," Guterres added, as he outlined some of the positive developments in Libya.
"All this represents remarkable progress in conflict resolution in Africa. A similar story is unfolding with respect to prevention," he said.
He also commended the sacrifices of the African soldiers in AU's mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the G5-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to Guterres, African peace operations require robust mandates from the UN Security Council together with predictable and sustainable financing, including assessed contributions.
"You can count on my continued full support," the UN chief said.
Guterres also welcomed the recently signed peace agreement in the Central African Republic (CAR), the first peaceful transition of power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the country's independence in 1960, as well as the successful presidential elections in Mali and Madagascar.
