Positive steps needed to break ‘political stalemate’ in Libya, says UN envoy July 16, 2021 The UN official expressed deep concern over the wider consequences of the political and electoral stalemate. — Courtesy file photo NEW YORK — The interdependent tracks of implementing Libya’s ceasefire agreement, political progress and economic reform, are in danger of going into reverse, UN Special Envoy Jan Kubis warned the Security Council on Thursday. “Positive steps are now needed to avoid backsliding,” he told the ministerial-level meeting. To avoid a return to conflict, violence and chaos, Kubis, who also heads the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), underscored the “overwhelming demand and expectations” of both Libya’s citizens and the international community for timely elections that are necessary to complete the country’s democratic transition.