UN delegate to Libya Ghassan Salame visits Zintan

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salame landed in Zintan today to hear from its residents on how best to move the political process forward and build peace and prosperity in Libya.

Salame met with the Municipal Council on the city’s priorities, challenges and vision for the future. He also met with representatives from the Committee of Elders, civil society and the Military Council and attentively listened to their views and advice on advancing national reconciliation and stability in the country.

“I commend Zintan’s efforts towards national reconciliation and building a united, sovereign Libya,” the SRSG said. “I am proud to be the first SRSG to visit the city in three years and hear from the Zintanis in Zintan,” he added.

Accompanied by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Deputy SRSG Maria Ribeiro, the Special Representative met with members of the Internally Displaced People’s Committee and the Municipality’s Crisis Committee to discuss the pressing humanitarian needs of those displaced and the provision of basic services to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“I am here to listen to all Libyan from all social strata, to see how the United Nations can best serve them. That is why we are here in Libya, to work alongside Libyans while they build a better future for themselves and their children,” affirmed Dr. Salame.

Last stop on this visit was Zintan General Hospital where the SRSG heard about the healthcare and medical equipment needs that this hospital and the city requires from the UN. The Special Representative also discussed the provision of UN-supported mobile clinics to help alleviate the strain on the medical facilities currently operating in the city.