U.N. Libya envoy bows out as presidential vote approaches

Libya plunged into turmoil after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled dictator Muammar Qaddafi, who was later killed

The United Nations' top envoy for Libya is resigning weeks ahead of seen as critical to the country's stability after nearly a decade of chaos, the world body said November 23.

Jan Kubis decided to step down after just 10 months in the job. With the presidential vote set for December 24, the U.N. is “working as quickly as possible to ensure continuity of leadership,” spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news briefing at U.N. headquarters.

He didn't give a reason for Mr. Kubis' departure, but said the envoy didn't have any falling-out with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Geneva-based Mr. Kubis is still expected to brief the U.N. Security Council on November 24, as scheduled before his resignation.