UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses participants at the opening of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum hosted in Gammarth on the outskirts of Tunisia's capital. AFP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses participants at the opening of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum hosted in Gammarth on the outskirts of Tunisia's capital. AFP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses participants at the opening of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum hosted in Gammarth on the outskirts of Tunisia's capital. AFP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses participants at the opening of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum hosted in Gammarth on the outskirts of Tunisia's capital. AFP

UN Libya talks delayed by weak internet connection and row over agenda


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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has postponed the second day of the second round of political talks to Wednesday, to allow participants to think further about ideas from the first meeting.

The second round of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum began on Monday via a virtual platform. The meeting was chaired by Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Stephanie Williams.

The 75 participants discussed four options presented by UNSMIL that may determine the procedures for selecting the next Presidential Council and Prime Minister.

Abdul Razzaq Al Aradi, one of the participants in the dialogue, said in a post on his Facebook page that first round of talks in Tunisia ended without an agreement.

"The discussion focused on allegations of the use of corrupt money to guide choices, and violations of the code of conduct by some participants when they speak to media, providing them with information that misleads public opinion," he said.

Ms Williams highlighted that UNSMIL does not tolerate the use of hate speech and incitement to violence that targets LPDF members and that they have reported social media posts for removal.

She also said that allegations of bribery have been referred to the UN.

The second round of the forum suffered issues due to internet services problems and power cuts, preventing some members from joining via video link.

It is hoped that this decisive round of the political dialogue will lead towards transparent elections, but critics say concessions are needed from all parties.

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

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