S/PV.10053 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/762, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by France and Greece. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I now give the floor to those members who wish to make statements before the vote.

This draft resolution (S/2025/762) is part of the Council’s work in support of peace and stability in Libya. We know that the arms embargo remains essential in order to prevent sporadic clashes, particularly in the area around Tripoli. The Secretary-General emphasized this point in his report (S/2025/675) on resolution 2780 (2025), adopted last May: the embargo is even more justified in the light of the road map for restarting the political process presented by the Special Representative. The reunification of all institutions indeed requires that the forces involved resist the temptation to escalate the armed conflict. The text presented for our consideration reinforces respect for the arms embargo. Indeed, the authorizations put in place by the Council since 2016 allow Member States and regional organizations to inspect, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, vessels suspected of violating the embargo. As the only operation mandated for this purpose, the European Union’s Operation IRINI acts in a professional, impartial and effective manner, cooperating with Libya and neighbouring countries, and alongside all Member States. Other States may also complement its work by conducting inspections, as encouraged by the Secretary-General. France and Greece, the authors of the draft resolution, as well as the European Union (EU), have listened to the views of the Libyan authorities. We call on the EU-Libya working group set up in this respect to make this partnership even more effective and operational, and we will work with all our partners to this end. Our common goal is the full restoration of Libya’s sovereignty, unity and stability. Convinced that this will contribute to this goal and with the agreement of the Libyan authorities, France and Greece propose to extend for six months the measures established by resolution 2292 (2016) and renewed by the most recent resolution on the subject, resolution 2780 (2025). We thank all members of the Council for their constructive engagement in the consultations.

I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and 2 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2804 (2025). I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

As co-penholders on this resolution (resolution 2804 (2025)), we would like to thank all Council members for their engagement and support for extending the authorization of resolution 2780 (2025). Indeed, a six- month renewal of resolution 2733 (2024) in May 2024 gave us the opportunity to engage with Council members and all relevant parties and stakeholders, in particular the Libyan authorities, on how the arms embargo can be efficiently implemented. Today’s renewal helps to further these efforts by providing additional time and space to hold meaningful discussions on the issue. Availing ourselves of the opportunity presented by today’s adoption, we would like to stress again the importance of the renewal of resolution 2292 (2016), as amended by resolution 2733 (2024). It provides for the legal framework for the authorization of inspections of vessels carried out under certain conditions on the high seas by Member States acting in a national capacity or through regional organizations. Maintaining this legal framework is essential to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/675), in the context of the overall political and security volatility in Libya, compliance with the arms embargo is critical to preventing any further escalation of internal armed conflict; improving prospects for the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries; and creating conditions for long-term stability. We therefore support all actions that contribute to strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Operation IRINI, as an impartial and unique instrument, provides a deterrent against arms smuggling. It serves as the primary tool for maritime enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo in the entire region, thereby concretely and effectively contributing to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo and to international efforts towards peace and stability in Libya. We encourage continued cooperation between Operation IRINI and all relevant partners and stakeholders, in particular the Libyan authorities, and we underline the need for the full, unhindered implementation of its mandate, in line with the relevant resolutions.

China abstained in the voting on the resolution (resolution 2804 (2025)), and I wish to make the following explanation. The Security Council’s sanctions measures against Libya have helped to curb the illicit inflow of weapons and prevent an escalation of violence. China calls on all parties to fully implement the Council’s resolutions and work together to safeguard security and stability in Libya and the wider region. In recent years, the European Union has continued to conduct its Operation IRINI on the high seas off the coast of Libya to monitor the implementation of the arms embargo. However, this Operation has had issues, such as insufficient transparency and effectiveness, improper handling of seized items and insufficient coordination and cooperation with the country concerned. The Security Council should fully consider the views of Libya and other relevant parties, conduct a dynamic assessment The current political and security situation in Libya remains fraught with serious challenges. The international community should, while respecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, help the country to move forward in its political process and in safeguarding national stability. China calls on the European Union and other parties to provide greater assistance to Libya’s security capacity-building and promoting its national development and reconstruction, while implementing the arms embargo. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue contributing to the early achievement of peace, stability and lasting security in Libya.

The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on the resolution submitted by France and Greece to extend the inspection regime on the high seas off the coast of Libya (resolution 2804 (2025)). When this mechanism was initially established by resolution 2292 (2016), it was supposed to serve as an effective tool in combating illegal arms supplies to Libya and, ultimately, to facilitate the process of political settlement in that country. However, years after the regime was launched, it has been clear to everyone that its stated goals have not been attained. Libya’s territory is still flooded with all types of weapons, which are actively being used by the numerous armed groups that are rampant on the ground. This is largely because the practical implementation of the provisions of the inspection regime has, to all extents and purposes, come under the sole responsibility of the European Union and its Operation IRINI. Meanwhile, despite Brussels actively bragging about its successes, there has been barely any significant reduction in illegal arms supplies to Libya. There are also questions surrounding the highly dubious working methods of Operation IRINI, including the geographical scope of its patrols, selectivity in the conduct of inspections of ships at sea, the manner in which the military nature of cargo is determined and attempts to dispose of seized property outside the legal framework established by the Security Council, including transfers to third countries or commercial sales, not to mention insufficient transparency in how the Operation IRINI leadership engages with subsidiary bodies of the Council, including the Panel of Experts of the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. All this not only undermines the international community’s trust in the European Union but also casts a shadow over the Council’s authority and compromises the tools it has established to maintain peace and stability. Unilateral approaches that run counter to collective agreements cannot lay the groundwork for lasting solutions that could stabilize the situation in Libya or anywhere else. Compliance with the Security Council sanctions regime against Libya must be truly collective, transparent and accountable. In this regard, we believe it is necessary to continue discussions on possible ways to genuinely enhance the effectiveness of the Libyan sanctions toolkit. Until then, we will continue to closely monitor the activities of Operation IRINI, to ensure that its actions comply with the provisions of resolution 2292 (2016) and subsequent decisions, as well as with international law, including the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The A3+ voted in favour of the resolution just adopted (resolution 2804 (2025)), through which the Council authorizes a six-month technical rollover of the provisions set out in resolution 2780 (2025), as a demonstration of our commitment to the strict implementation of the arms embargo against Libya. In this context, we would like to make four points. First, we take note of the recent report of the Secretary-General on the activities of Operation IRINI (S/2025/675), which included more than 2,000 boardings and inspections. However, we regret that despite the high number of reported interceptions, the operation has not yielded the desired results to implement the arms embargo, which remains largely ineffective in the face of the growing flow of weapons, especially by air and sea. This persistent challenge underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the modus operandi of the mission and the enhancement of its technical capabilities to prevent illicit arms transfers. Secondly, we continue to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in implementing this mandate, including through a stronger oversight role for the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, particularly with respect to the disposal, destruction and transfer of seized items. Thirdly, the A3+ urges the European Union to strengthen, through the IRINI command, its cooperation with the Libyan Government, particularly in the areas of intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and coordination related to the most effective means to enforce the embargo. Such collaboration will enable the Libyan authorities to assume full ownership of their sovereign security responsibilities. Fourthly, the issue of fuel smuggling in Libya has reached an alarming magnitude. Recent reports indicated that between 2022 and 2024, this illicit activity deprived the Libyan State of an estimated $20 billion in revenue. This vital national resource has been systematically exploited, with profound repercussions — the Libyan people are denied essential funds needed for social welfare and economic development, while the proceeds of these criminal activities have further bolstered armed groups seeking to undermine State authority in Libya. This smuggled fuel is also used to sustain the machinery of war in the Sudan and the Sahel, often with the active support of external actors. In this regard, we trust that the Government of Libya and the European Union will continue their discussions and explore the best avenues for cooperation to address this urgent issue. Accountability remains the silent note in this unresolved symphony. Operation IRINI intercepts vessels, traces the origins of weapons and identifies their suppliers, yet no meaningful action follows. This persistent inaction not only emboldens those who violate the embargo but also undermines the authority and moral standing of the Council. We therefore urge the Council to shoulder its historic responsibility and ensure that those who violate the arms embargo and foment instability in Libya are finally held to account. In conclusion, the A3+ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity. We reiterate our call for the full and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries. We also renew our support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the United Nations, that paves the way for a sustainable solution and restores hope to millions of Libyans.

The United Kingdom would like to thank the penholders — France and Greece — for their efforts to secure broad support for The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the United Nations.

Pakistan voted in favour of resolution 2804 (2025), which provides for a technical rollover of the provisions set out in resolution 2780 (2025) for six months. We acknowledge the work of the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean, Operation IRINI. My delegation believes that the extension of the time period will provide an opportunity for the relevant parties to critically assess the continued practical effectiveness of the measures contained in the resolution. We say this because data from the past two reports of the Secretary- General indicate no substantial results with respect to the seizure of prohibited items. Looking ahead, Pakistan reiterates the importance of robust and sustained coordination with the Libyan authorities and institutions in the implementation of the authorizations related to vessel inspections. This point was also reflected in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/675). We are convinced that enhancing the capacity-building and training of the relevant Libyan departments will contribute to a more effective implementation of the arms embargo, while simultaneously preparing them to progressively assume full responsibility for conducting such operations independently in the future. In conclusion, Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity.

Denmark welcomes the adoption of today’s resolution (resolution 2804 (2025)), extending the authorizations to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya. We express our sincere appreciation to the penholders — France and Greece — for their efforts in this regard. As we witnessed earlier this year, when clashes between heavily armed groups erupted in Tripoli, the proliferation of arms continues to fuel instability in Libya. It is the Security Council’s collective responsibility to ensure the robust enforcement of the arms embargo. As the only operational regional mechanism implementing resolution 2780 (2025), the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean, Operation IRINI, remains a key pillar in these efforts. While actively disrupting illicit arms flows, it also collects valuable information, which is shared with the Panel of Experts on Libya. This information-sharing mechanism is vital, as it promotes accountability for violations while deterring future violations and further serves to inform the work of the Council. The strict enforcement of the arms embargo remains essential to reducing violence against civilians, preventing further military build-up and limiting the influence of foreign fighters in Libya. In the absence of other enforcement and compliance mechanisms, Operation IRINI must be able to continue its essential work. We call on all States to cooperate fully with IRINI and to fulfil their obligations under the arms embargo to ensure that the arms embargo is not just a legal instrument but an effective tool for peace and stability across the region.