S/PV.10074 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council Members to document S/2025/792, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. At this meeting, the Council will hear briefings by Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh and Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. I now give the floor to Ms. Tetteh. Ms. Tetteh: Four months have elapsed since I first presented the road map to the Security Council on 21 August (see S/PV.9984), and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has been engaging Libyan stakeholders with regard to its implementation, which I admit has been quite challenging. During my most recent briefing (see S/PV.10017), I reported that the prioritized first actions for the implementation of the road map, namely the reconstitution of the Board of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and the consideration and passage of the amendments to the constitutional and legal framework for elections that were recommended by the advisory committee set up earlier this year by UNSMIL, have not yet been achieved. But this is not for lack of trying or engagement with the two chambers. In my most recent briefing, I informed the Council that the two committees on sovereign positions of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State respectively had agreed on 4 October to reconstitute the HNEC within two weeks. Despite multiple efforts and engagements with these institutions, this did not happen. While the High Council of State provided names to the House of Representatives for the selection of a Chair of HNEC, there was no further progress. UNSMIL subsequently convened, on 20 November, a plenary meeting of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya at the ambassadorial level, with the participation of representatives of the two institutions, and invited them to on their progress on these two milestones, but it was clear that there was still a lot of work to be done to arrive at a consensus. On the 28 November, after further engagement, the two institutional committees of the respective bodies, in the presence of UNSMIL, signed an agreement establishing a mechanism for the selection of the Board members of the HNEC. According to the agreed timelines, the names of candidates should have been transferred by the High Council of State to the House of Representatives and the selection finalized by 11 December. However, this did not happen. It is our assessment that the delays are a manifestation of the lack of trust between the two institutions, their own internal divisions and their inability to overcome their differences and agree on the way forward to resolve the current impasse. I must acknowledge, however, the serious efforts by some members of these institutions to advance these two processes. Regarding the amendment of the constitutional and legal framework for elections, the High Council of State had dissolved its delegation to the 6+6 Committee in 2023 in an internally contested decision, and it was only on Wednesday 17 December that we received a communication from the presidency of the High Council of State to the effect that it had reconstituted the High Council of State delegation to the 6+6 Committee, which now creates the opportunity to engage on these matters. We note that this has been an internally contested matter within the High Council of State, with more than 75 members writing to UNSMIL expressing their support for the original 6+6 members to take this legislation forward. We believe that it is necessary to complete these two tasks in order to have credible elections. It would be desirable for HNEC to have a fully constituted Board to manage the process of conducting what would be the most consequential elections in the history of the country. The Board’s legal framework requires that all regions of the country are represented on the Board, and currently the east is not represented. We note, however, that the Board has just enough members to have a quorum to facilitate the conduct of business, which is the reason why it has been possible to conduct municipal elections across the country. Therefore, we will continue our work with HNEC to facilitate the conduct of presidential and legislative elections. On 28 November, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Aguila Saleh, released a statement calling for the holding of presidential elections, following simultaneous demonstrations in five cities in the eastern region demanding presidential elections. In response, HNEC released a statement on 30 November stating its readiness to begin preparations for presidential and legislative elections starting in April 2026. More recently, these calls for elections have been echoed by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al Dabiba in his 16 December statement. In the same statement, the Prime Minister announced his intention to conduct a Government reshuffle of the Government of National Unity. We are not privy to the details of any intended reshuffle. UNSMIL calls on the main political actors to facilitate an agreement on the legal framework for elections so that HNEC can proceed with its necessary preparations. We will also advance a mechanism to address changes in the electoral laws. On 14 and 15 December, UNSMIL launched the inaugural meeting of the structured dialogue, which is one of the core components of the road map. This is the first process of this magnitude to be held on Libyan soil. UNSMIL invited nominations from key sovereign institutions, civil society actors, political parties, academia and cultural and linguistic components and also invited representation from other State institutions. The structured dialogue brings together a representative spectrum of Libyan society, with 124 Libyans personalities representing these different institutions and stakeholder groups. While the launch took place in Tripoli, it is the intention of UNSMIL to facilitate meetings of the thematic working groups across the country and also to encourage participation through digital platforms so that as many as possible have the opportunity to share their views on the matters under consideration. Libyan women comprise 35 per cent of the participants, and we also ensure the representation of young people and persons with disabilities. We received more than 1,000 solicited and unsolicited nominations, reflecting the desire of Libyans who are not in government to contribute to developing a unified vision for the future of their country. While some did not join owing to political circumstances, we hope they will be able to join future meetings. The structured dialogue is intended to define guiding principles for State- building and the formulation of policy and legislative recommendations in the areas of governance, the economy, security and national reconciliation. This approach is expected to help to facilitate the creation of the political conditions for a peaceful electoral process to be held and help to maintain peace and stability in the aftermath of elections. It is also intended to solicit the views of Libyans themselves on addressing the critical challenges facing the country and on the appropriate mechanisms and structures that should be developed for the implementation of the structured dialogue outcomes. The outcomes will be published for dissemination among the broader public. I would like to be clear that the structured dialogue will proceed in parallel with the other tracks of the road map and is not a replacement for any of the identified milestones of the road map. We will consult with members of the structured dialogue and consider their recommendations relating to the implementation of the first two steps of the road map, which will inform our proposals for a mechanism for making progress on changes to the electoral laws. I am pleased to report the positive and constructive spirit by members in both the plenary session and the four thematic tracks of the structured dialogue. They also reflected on the responsibility they feel towards the Libyan people to address pressing issues facing the country that directly affect people’s lives. Libya’s persistent fiscal fragmentation continues to undermine economic stability in the Libyan dinar, weaken service delivery and erode public trust in State institutions. Against this backdrop, on 18 November, delegates from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State signed an agreement establishing a unified development programme as a common framework for development spending. UNSMIL considers this a constructive step in the right direction, intended to strengthen financial stability through implementing expenditure controls and advancing development initiatives across the country in a financially prudent and inclusive manner. If implemented with transparency, effective oversight and alignment with Libyan law and international public financial management standards, it could help to address the core economic challenges, including strengthening the provision of public goods and services to the population. UNSMIL stands ready to support Libyan institutions in harmonizing and strengthening the country’s fragmented oversight and regulatory architecture to enable coherent implementation of the agreement. The Mission urges Libyan stakeholders to continue dialogue towards agreeing on a unified national budget. On 18 October, municipal council elections were successfully held in 16 municipalities, following their interruption in August. Voter turnout was 68 per cent. On 13 December, elections were conducted in nine municipalities, including Benghazi, Sabha and Sirte, where the processes had previously been suspended. As the HNEC continues working towards the announcement of results, these elections are a welcome step in restoring the legitimacy of local governance. We commend the authorities in the east and the south for securing the electoral process and hope that this will give further stimulus for national elections. Following the agreement on new security arrangements in Tripoli, the security environment in the capital has stabilized to a certain extent. The truce continues to hold. However, the situation in the city and in western Libya remains fragile, with sporadic outbreaks of armed clashes in areas of southern Tripoli and elsewhere. I urge all relevant actors to work together towards implementing the security arrangements agreed upon and advance the necessary reforms to achieve stability. Through UNSMIL’s facilitation, a joint border communications centre was established on 28 October in Benghazi, complementing the centre set up in Tripoli in April. This is a constructive step in advancing a unified approach between the Libyan National Army and the Government of National Unity towards border management and cooperation. We welcome Libya’s universal periodic review process, which took place in the Human Rights Council on 11 November, and stand ready to work closely with the Libyan authorities and stakeholders on the recommendations that were made. Nonetheless, I remain deeply concerned about human rights violations, including violence against women, migrants and minorities and deaths in custody. The killing of Khansa Al-Moujahed, a prominent figure and blogger, on 21 November in Tripoli, sends a chilling message to women on participating in public life and risks silencing them at a time when their contribution is most needed. I call on the authorities to expedite an impartial and transparent investigation, prosecute those responsible and take urgent measures to ensure all Libyans can safely engage in civic activities without fear, which would include the adoption of the law on the prevention of violence against women. On 26 October, UNSMIL sadly confirmed another death in custody of a detainee in Benghazi, following allegations of torture and denial of medical care by a unit reportedly affiliated with the Minister of the Interior in the east. This brings to 24 the total deaths in custody across the country that have been verified by UNSMIL between March and November. These deaths raise serious concerns about wider patterns of arbitrary detention, ill treatment and lack of accountability. Regarding the implementation of the decisions of the Council in respect of the extension of the Mission’s mandate in resolution 2796 (2025) and taking into consideration the recommendations of the strategic review, UNSMIL has set up an internal task force to implement the decisions and recommendations, but in a gradual manner owing to resource constraints. We have started with recommendations that can be implemented within existing resources to include, among other measures, increasing the Mission’s presence in eastern Libya and establishing a dedicated economic section in UNSMIL, which is planned for early 2026. UNSMIL also intends to expand its presence in Sabha in 2027, should resources allow, and will include this in its budget proposals for 2027 to be submitted early next year. The political process should not be held hostage by the inaction of key political stakeholders, who, willingly or not, are maintaining the status quo. In my most recent briefing (see S/PV.10017), I stated that if the two institutions fail to agree on the first two milestones of the political road map, I would be prepared to seek an alternative mechanism and seek the support of the Council. The launch of the structured dialogue gives us the opportunity to also consult Libyan interlocutors on the most effective way of proceeding on the first two elements of the road map, and we will draw on their recommendations to advance the creation of the political conditions needed for the holding of elections. In parallel, we will continue to engage with key political stakeholders to also advance the political road map. I intend to present this mechanism in my upcoming briefing in February. In a few days, Libyans will celebrate Independence Day on 24 December, the same day that was set for national elections in 2021. Four years later, the country’s path to election remains fraught with complications that are challenging but, we believe, can be overcome. I call on all Libyan leaders to respond to the desires of the Libyan people, rise above their differences in the interests of the unity and integrity of the Libyan State and advance the welfare of the Libyan people. The true spirit of independence lies in a nation’s ability to shape its destiny through unity, paving the way for a secure, sovereign State with a Government that enjoys the support of the majority of its citizens, renewed legitimacy and unified institutions. That is what we are working towards.

I thank Ms. Tetteh for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf.

In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee. The report covers the period from 22 August to 19 December 2025, during which time the Committee met once in informal consultations and conducted additional work using the silence procedure, with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the sanctions measures. At the outset, I wish to recall that by resolution 2804 (2025) of 25 November, the Security Council extended for a further six months the authorizations related to the inspection of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya for better implementation of the arms embargo. Turning to the activities of the Committee, in informal consultations of 26 August, the Committee heard a presentation by the Panel of Experts on Libya on its interim report, which was submitted to the Security Council on 12 September. The report focused on acts that threatened the peace, stability and security of Libya, the implementation of the arms embargo and the prevention of illicit petroleum oil exports. The Committee is currently considering follow-up action on one of the recommendations contained in the interim report. During the informal consultations, a Committee member also raised the question of a possible Committee visit to Libya, a matter on which I expressed openness to exploring with the Committee members in the coming weeks and months. During the reporting period, with respect to the arms embargo, the Committee received one report on a vessel inspection conducted by the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, submitted pursuant to resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2780 (2025). The Committee also received an initial report from Spain on a vessel inspection carried out in its territorial waters and submitted in line with resolution 2213 (2015). In this regard, the Panel also informed the Committee that it undertook an inspection of the seized items upon invitation from the Spanish authorities. The Committee has further requested a subsequent written report from Spain containing all relevant details on the inspection, seizure and disposal of prohibited items. Further on the arms embargo, in response to a request received from Libya, the Committee sought additional information, including an update on the structure of the security forces under the control of the Libyan Government, in line with paragraph 5 of resolution 2769 (2025). The Committee also received an exemption request from Germany, submitted in accordance with paragraph 9 (c) of resolution 1970 (2011). Several members of the Committee expressed the view that no notification or exemption was necessary in this case, and the Committee did not issue a written response. I will now turn to matters concerning the assets freeze. In this regard, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in relation to 14 notifications, invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), all of which were submitted by Bahrain and concerned the Libyan Investment Authority. In each of these instances, pursuant to paragraph 17 of resolution 2769 (2025), the Committee has informed the Permanent Mission of the State of Libya of the final outcome of the Committee’s consideration of these exemption notifications. The Committee received two additional exemption notifications from the United Kingdom, also invoking paragraph 19 (a), which remain under consideration, and it responded to another request from Italy submitted under the same paragraph. Furthermore on the assets freeze, with respect to five notifications submitted by Bahrain invoking paragraph 21 of resolution 1970 (2011), the Committee has requested additional information. On another such notification, Bahrain provided confirmation on a point that enabled fulfilment of the requirements of paragraph 21. The Committee also has before it a seventh such notification submitted by Bahrain. The Committee has responded to several letters from Libya, providing updates on the status of various asset freeze requests. The Committee also has before it several other requests received from Libya and Qatar, which remain under consideration. Additionally, in relation to the reinvestment of the frozen cash reserves of the Libyan Investment Authority, the Committee, with the support of the Panel of Experts, is aiming to provide guidance to all Member States on the implementation of paragraph 14 of resolution 2769 (2025). Turning to travel ban measures, in response to a request submitted by Libya, the Committee approved a humanitarian exemption for one individual. The Committee also received a humanitarian travel ban exemption request from Lebanon for one individual, which remains under consideration. With regard to the sanctions list, the Committee received a delisting request from Libya for one individual, which was not approved. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the Committee’s commitment to contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in Libya.

I thank Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf for his briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Hanna Tetteh, for her briefing this morning, and I welcome the participation of the representative of Libya in our meeting as well. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom reiterates its full support for the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to advance the political process in Libya. We welcome the launch of the structured dialogue on 14 December, which brought together individuals from across Libya for an inclusive discussion about the country’s future. This dialogue can make an important contribution to policy and legislative recommendations towards advancing the political process. It is essential that diverse Libyan voices, including women and youth, have the opportunity to share their vision for their country. And I underline the comments of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in this regard. Secondly, we call on the Libyan political institutions, which are mandated to prepare a pathway to elections, to make urgent progress. We welcomed the road map presented by the Special Representative in August. But it is deeply concerning that, four months on, the initial milestones remain unmet. We urge all stakeholders to accelerate discussions between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to demonstrate concrete progress. Thirdly, we welcome the recent agreement on the unified development programme, signed by representatives of the High Council of State and House of Representatives, as a positive step towards protecting Libya’s economic future. It is essential that this mechanism operate transparently and equitably, ensuring resources benefit all Libyans and are not diverted for narrow interests. In conclusion, the status quo is unsustainable. Every month without progress deepens instability, fuels corruption and erodes public trust. Libya’s prolonged political deadlock continues to deny its people the democratic choice, economic opportunity and security they deserve. We call on Libyan actors to act with urgency and in good faith to deliver a sustainable political settlement.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Hanna Tetteh for her comprehensive briefing. My gratitude also goes to Somalia for its leadership as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. As this is the final briefing on Libya during our term on the Security Council, we take this opportunity to reaffirm how deeply we have supported — and continue to support — Libya’s efforts to move beyond the fragile status quo and towards a more stable and unified future. In recent months, encouraging signs in this regard have emerged. Indeed, from the renewed momentum of the Berlin process and the increased engagement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to the notable voter turnout in the third round of municipal elections. Together, these positive developments signal that both Libyans and the international community are ready to now move past stagnation. Against this backdrop, I would like to offer three reflections on the way forward. First, the political process must now move decisively into the implementation phase. Nearly four months after the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) launched its political road map, progress now depends on real implementation of the steps, without delay. The agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on the mechanism for constituting the board of the High National Elections Commission is encouraging, but the real appointment of the board is essential. At the same time, the delay in its appointment should not preclude the other critical steps of the road map, including the amendment of electoral laws and the convening of the structured dialogue. The broad participation of diverse actors in last weekend’s structured dialogue clearly reflected the shared political aspirations of the Libyan people to improve the future of their country. We also hope that the 6+6 Committee’s recently renewed work on electoral laws will lead to genuine compromise in the national interest. Secondly, strengthening Libya’s economic governance — through a unified budget, coordinated institutions and safeguarded revenues — is essential for consolidating the ongoing political process. The agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on the unified development programme for 2026 is a promising development. This could help end East-West parallel spending practices and lay the foundation for a unified national budget, which is the goal that the Council has consistently underscored. We hope that this momentum also contributes to strengthen the transparency, independence and effectiveness of economic institutions and oversight bodies such as the Central Bank of Libya and the National Audit Bureau so that Libya’s national resources genuinely serve all Libyans. At the same time, we remain concerned that illicit oil exports and fuel smuggling continue to empower and embolden armed groups and erode State authority. We reiterate that those who support armed groups via illicit exploitation or export of oil shall also be subject to sanctions, as affirmed this year by resolution 2769 (2025). Thirdly, progress on the political and economic tracks ultimately rests on a stable security environment. Following the recent clashes in Tripoli, the de-escalation measures agreed by the relevant actors must be fully implemented and consolidated. The risk of renewed confrontation remains high. The gains achieved so far therefore require careful stewardship. Amid the current regional instability and the continued presence of tensions among armed groups, including in border areas, underscores the importance of sustained efforts to unify Libya’s military and security institutions. In this respect, we welcome the establishment of an additional joint communication and information- sharing centre on border security in Benghazi. To address the flow of weapons into Libya, strict enforcement of the arms embargo also remains essential. We therefore welcome the Council’s recent adoption of resolution 2804 (2025), on maritime interdiction, aimed at strengthening its compliance. Although today marks Korea’s final intervention on Libya in the Chamber during this term, it does not mark the end of our engagement. Korea’s support for UNSMIL and for a Libyan-owned and Libyan-led path towards unity and stability will remain steadfast. We depart from the Council with sincere hope that Libya’s current momentum can translate into irreversible progress and with deep respect for the Libyan people’s desire for a peaceful and dignified future.

At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative Hanna Tetteh for her briefing and reiterate France’s full support for her work. I also thank the representative of Somalia for his presentation of the report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today’s meeting. First, the Special Representative presented to the Council her road map for resuming the political process in Libya, structured around three fundamental pillars. The Council supported this road map during the most recent mandate renewal (see S/PV.10029) of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We encourage all Libyan actors to participate constructively in the implementation of the road map. The road map guarantees the central position of Libyan institutions in the political process. Their role is essential in moving forward on the first areas identified by the Special Representative, in particular the adoption of a viable electoral framework. The launch of the UNSMIL structured dialogue last Sunday is part of the process of defining a solution led by and for Libyans. As the Special Representative reminded us today, the Libyan people’s desire to decide their own future is clear. The participation of all, including women, is essential. The high turnout in the municipal elections demonstrated this once again. We welcome the smooth conduct of the third round of municipal elections on 13 December. There is consensus on the need to organize presidential and parliamentary elections and reunify all institutions. Secondly, the reunification of Libya is of paramount importance to ensuring security stability. Political instability fuels security instability. The cycle of recurring tensions, particularly in Tripolitania, must be broken. France calls on all political actors and armed groups to refrain from actions that could destabilize the country. The return to stability requires the reunification of military and security forces, which will guarantee respect for Libyan sovereignty. The withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries and fighters, in accordance with the 2021 Libyan plan endorsed by the Council, is imperative. In this worrisome context, we would like to point out that the European Union’s Operation IRINI is the only initiative responsible for enforcing the arms embargo off the coast of Libya. We would like to thank the members of the Council for their support in renewing its operating authorizations two weeks ago. On the economic front, it is essential to move towards greater transparency and better distribution of Libya’s resources for the benefit of the Libyan people. The recent agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on the unified development programme marks a first step towards economic reunification. As the strategic review of UNSMIL pointed out, the economic and political aspects go hand in hand. Finally, only a political solution will guarantee the long-term rule of law and respect for human rights in Libya. We call on the Libyan authorities to step up the fight against impunity, in conjunction with international organizations, and to guarantee the exercise of civil liberties. The course has been set for unity, stability and sovereignty in Libya. All actors must commit themselves in good faith to this goal.

I thank our briefer and express our gratitude for the dedication in implementing the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The United States supports efforts to advance a Libyan-led political process towards unified governance and elections.  We urge all Libyan stakeholders to engage constructively with this process. Last month, the United States issued a joint statement with nine other countries to express our support for increased economic and military integration to complement and strengthen the political process. On 18 November, we saw an example of what dialogue and compromise can achieve when representatives of the House of Representatives and the High State Council signed the unified development budget agreement. This meaningful step towards economic cooperation will hopefully benefit Libyans from all regions. We encourage both sides to follow through with its transparent implementation. We were also glad to see the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/792) note that initial steps to streamline UNSMIL’s work are working.  We expect UNSMIL to continue focusing existing resources on its core political mission, establish benchmarks and increase efficiencies. On sanctions, adherence to the arms embargo remains essential to supporting peace and stability in Libya.  The United States values the Panel of Experts’ work and urges all Member States to fully cooperate with its investigations. We continue to view sanctions as an important policy tool. This includes the authority to designate persons who obstruct or undermine the political process or misappropriate the financial or natural resources of the Libyan people. We are greatly concerned, for example, that illicit fuel exports threaten Libya’s peace and security. This results in the direct transfer of wealth outside of Libya, depriving the Libyan people of the resources to thrive and rebuild their country. Illicit fuel exports also increase the fragility of key economic institutions, including the National Oil Corporation (NOC). A strong, independent and responsible NOC is essential for Libya to stay on a path towards more sustainable economic policy and prosperity. The United States will remain at the forefront of efforts to overcome divisions and achieve a lasting peace in Libya, working closely with the Council, regional partners and Libyan stakeholders to support a stable, unified and prosperous Libya.

At the outset, let me thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh for her detailed briefing, as well as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf, for presenting the report of the Committee (S/2025/792). I also welcome the participation of the representative of Libya in this meeting. I wish to underscore the following points today. First, coordinated regional and international engagement, as well as commitment by all relevant Libyan stakeholders, is critical for the success of the road map facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The Council renewed once again its trust in UNSMIL by the unanimous renewal of its mandate for 12 months. Ms. Tetteh and the United Nations staff have repeatedly proven their dedication to bringing Libya back on the track of peace, stability and unity. We sincerely thank them for their commitment. Similarly, we welcome the resumption of the Berlin process, and we recall that resolution 2796 (2025) encouraged its full participation, continued evolution and inclusivity, to further advance the political process. At the same time, the implementation of the political road map requires constructive engagement by all Libyan actors. Placing Libya’s national interest first is a prerequisite for forging a peaceful future. Creating the conditions for holding free, fair and credible presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible is an essential first step towards this direction. This must be underpinned by an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, aimed at overcoming divisions and leading the country towards unified State institutions. In this vein, we believe the completion of appointments to the Board of the High National Elections Commission, together with amendments to the electoral framework, should proceed without further delay. We also recognize the added value of structured dialogue, as an inclusive platform for Libyans to build consensus towards a shared vision. The high turnout in recent municipal elections demonstrates, after all, the strong desire of Libyan people for civic participation. Secondly, we are encouraged by signs of de-escalation, following the clashes in May and the fragile security situation. We welcome the efforts of the Presidential Council and other relevant actors to maintain the ceasefire in Tripoli, with the crucial support of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh and UNSMIL. The need to uphold the ceasefire and prevent escalation is urgent, especially as the continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries exacerbates fragility and undermines Libya’s sovereignty. Thirdly, promoting financial and judicial reforms should be a priority for Libya. We have noted encouraging signs, such as the decision by the Central Bank to curb unauthorized printing of banknotes, the launch of a joint anticorruption strategy, the publication of financial flows and production data for the National Oil Corporation and the agreement on a Unified Development Programme. A serious effort to unify the national budget, strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure the transparent and equitable use of resources for the benefit of all Libyans should follow suit. At the same time, the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers, human rights violations and the arbitrary detention of individuals across Libya raise serious concerns. Moreover, addressing irregular migration and combating human smuggling and trafficking are essential not only for Libya’s stability, but also for regional security. Accountability and reforms of the criminal justice system are critical in this respect. Finally, but importantly, we fully support the work of the 1970 Sanctions Committee on the implementation of the sanctions regime. The recent renewal of the Operation IRINI mandate, the primary tool for maritime enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo in the entire region, plays a key role in this regard. Constructive cooperation between the Operation and the Libyan authorities is essential for the successful implementation of its mandate. Greece remains firmly committed to assisting Libyans in their endeavour to turn the page in the country. With this in mind, and responding to the legitimate request by Libya, Greece, also in its capacity as Vice-Chair of the Committee, communicated to the Committee members the need to request the Panel of Experts to issue an Implementation Assistance Notice, with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the resolution 2769 (2025) provision on the reinvestment of the Libyan Investment Authority’s frozen assets. In conclusion, Greece, a neighbouring country with opposite coasts to Libya, fully supports Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which must be shielded from foreign interference, and will continue to support the country on its path to a more peaceful, secure and prosperous future.

I thank Special Representative Tetteh and Ambassador Rabi Yusuf as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting. Recently, under the leadership of Special Representative Tetteh, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has overcome difficulties and achieved positive progress in facilitating the political process in Libya. At the same time, the deep-seated political crisis in Libya remains unresolved, and the disunity of State institutions is constraining national governance. It is important for the international community to support Libya’s political actors in swiftly addressing their differences and building consensus to complete the political unification and bring about long- awaited stability and prosperity for the Libyan people. I will make three points. First, it is important to break Libya’s political impasse. China welcomes Special Representative Tetteh’s recent efforts to facilitate the political road map, while noting that the road map process has stalled, and little progress has been made in reconstituting the Board of the High National Elections Commission and amending the electoral framework. It is imperative to call on the relevant parties in both western and eastern Libya to demonstrate political will and expeditiously complete outstanding matters to pave the way for holding national elections. Special Representative Tetteh needs to continue to engage in extensive consultations and make every effort to strengthen trust among the parties to facilitate political consensus-building, while placing Libyan ownership and leadership at the centre throughout the process. China welcomes the structured dialogue process recently launched by UNSMIL and hopes that the Libyan political leadership will heed the call of the people, place the fundamental interests of the country and its people above everything else and demonstrate genuine commitment to national unity. Secondly, it is important to safeguard Libya’s national security and stability. At present, tensions in Tripoli have eased, but the underlying situation remains fragile. China calls on the relevant parties to fully implement the agreement on security arrangements in Tripoli and avoid unilateral actions that could trigger the escalation of tensions. It is important for the international community to support Libya in accelerating security sector reform and addressing the fragmentation of security and to urge the parties in both the east and west to implement the ceasefire agreement and enhance trust-building measures to create a conducive environment for the political process. The parties must strictly implement the Security Council resolutions, close ranks in curbing the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and push for the early withdrawals of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces from the Libyan territory. Thirdly, it is important to improve Libya’s economic and humanitarian situation. The recent agreement reached by the Libyan parties on the unified development programme marks positive progress that deserves to be welcomed. The international community needs to build on this momentum to urge the parties to swiftly establish a unified budget and address structural problems, such as fiscal fragmentation, illegal currency printing and exchange rate imbalances. China is deeply worried about the recent influx of Sudanese refugees into Libya and calls for international solidarity with Libya and the Sudan to help the two countries to properly resettle and repatriate refugees so as not to overburden Libya. The frozen overseas assets of Libya are the common wealth of Libyan people. Any abuse or erosion of the frozen assets is unacceptable. China calls on the Security Council to guarantee the right of Libya to reinvest the frozen cash reserves and promptly issue the implementation assistance notices to ensure the effective implementation of resolution 2769 (2025) and preserve the authority of the resolution. Not long ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on extending the mandate to the UNSMIL and endorsing the recommendation of the Secretary-General on the strategic review of UNSMIL’s mandate (resolution 2796 (2025)). China calls on UNSMIL to effectively implement the relevant recommendations, ensure that the facilitation of a political settlement of the Libyan conflict remains the Mission’s core mandate and keep seeking further improvements and greater efficiency and effectiveness in facilitating the political process. China stands ready to work with all countries to make greater efforts in helping Libya on its path towards lasting stability, peace and prosperous development.

We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her briefing. We listened attentively to the briefing by the Somali Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. We welcome the participation of Libya’s Permanent Representative in today’s meeting. We continue to monitor the situation in the country, which is still mired in a protracted political crisis. The security situation, especially around Tripoli, remains unstable: acts of violence continue unabated, and their number is not decreasing. Heavy weapons have been used in many of these clashes, even though the country is under an arms embargo. Previously, escalation was avoided thanks to timely mediation efforts. We hope that this time, too, Libyan stakeholders will manage to reach agreement, and that provocative actions will cease. Stabilizing the situation on the ground is essential, first and foremost, for advancing the stalled Libyan political process. We note the ongoing efforts of United Nations mediation to revive the process. We take this opportunity to reiterate our unwavering support for Ms. Tetteh, who is striving to bring together Libya’s political forces with a view to carrying out comprehensive preparations in the country for nationwide elections. To ensure the success of the future elections, it is crucial to promptly complete the initial preparatory steps of the Special Representative’s road map, which concern filling the leadership positions of Libya’s High National Elections Commission and updating the country’s electoral legislation. We hope that Libyan parliamentarians from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State will be able to reach consensus on these issues. It is clear that any plan to bring Libya out of crisis must be comprehensive in nature. Such a plan must take into account the legitimate interests and concerns of all major Libyan stakeholders. In this regard, it is hard to overstate the importance of systematic and painstaking engagement with the authorities in both the west and east of the country. At the same time, we caution against excessive focus on various discussion formats. Of course, they may help in terms of gauging public sentiment vis-à-vis the course of the political settlement, but their outcomes are unlikely to serve as a solid foundation for long-term agreements among Libyan stakeholders. This also fully applies to the so-called structured dialogue under the auspices of UNSMIL, which began on 14 December. Thus, eastern and southern parts of Libya were poorly represented at the first meeting. We believe that it is vital to ensure that this initiative enjoys the support of the Libyans themselves rather than creating additional friction and “fault lines”. We also believe that one of the Mission’s top priorities should be to establish a sustainable framework for external support for political settlement in the country based on harmonizing the approaches of external stakeholders. The Berlin process on Libya, which has been resumed in its original configuration, is well-positioned to serve this very purpose. We believe that any discussions within the Berlin process must involve all participants of this format without exception and ensure the significant engagement of Libya’s representatives. Otherwise, it could turn into a destabilizing factor rather than a useful tool. At the same time, we must not forget that the political process must be Libyan- owned and Libyan-led. Imposing any kind of “algorithm for action” from outside is counterproductive, as we have seen time and again. The same applies to economic issues. We therefore deem any attempts to control the operation of Libyan financial and economic institutions from abroad to be unacceptable. However, it is the political track that is of key importance for the Libyan settlement. If compromises are achieved on this track, it will be only a matter of time before there is stabilization in the economic and military spheres. For the time being, while the crisis in Libya remains unresolved, the presence of UNSMIL — the main United Nations configuration tool — continues to be an indisputable stabilizing factor. The Mission’s mandate, which was extended in October, has undergone several changes that we consider to be for the better. We hope that it provides Special Representative Tetteh with an enhanced toolkit for facilitating inter-Libyan dialogue. This will allow the Mission and its leadership to effectively find optimal ways of working with Libyan stakeholders. We also consider it important to expand the permanent presence of UNSMIL to the east and south of the country. We note that not only is the acute problem of frozen Libyan assets not diminishing, it is also worsening. When Council members decided to freeze those assets, their stated intention was to preserve those funds for future generations of Libyans. However, we have now moved very far from that goal. Libyan assets have proved to be highly vulnerable to the predatory appetites of unscrupulous financial players in Western countries, who, as we have repeatedly seen, are not treating the funds entrusted to them with care. That state of affairs is compounded by another problem: those countries’ broad interpretation of the Council’s restrictions regime, which takes the form of blocking of Libyan funds without good reason. We call on the international community to take a responsible approach to this issue, which is of critical importance to all Libyans, and to actively seek solutions to it.

Panama welcomes the presentation by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, and acknowledges her leadership at the helm of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We also appreciate the endeavours of Ambassador Mohammed Rabi Yusuf, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, in updating us on the Committee’s work on the implementation of the arms embargo, the asset freeze and the travel ban. We also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at this meeting. Panama reaffirms its support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and its unwavering commitment to facilitating an inclusive, representative and results-oriented political dialogue as a key tool for advancing democratic governance in the country. We welcome the commencement of the implementation of the road map presented by the Special Representative in August (see S/PV.9984), which envisages the adoption of a viable electoral framework, the unification of institutions and a structured dialogue on governance, security, the economy, national reconciliation and human rights. We welcome the initiation of the structured national dialogue in Tripoli — a sign of a growing sense of national ownership of the political process. We highlight the broad and diverse participation of representatives from different regions of the country, including youth, persons with disabilities and the women’s caucus, which promotes the participation of women and ensures that their priorities are reflected in the dialogue’s recommendations. We hope that this process, which will formally begin in January 2026, will give rise to concrete recommendations on the relevant issues, with a view to supporting credible and transparent national elections. Likewise, we welcome the ongoing efforts of the High National Elections Commission, in particular the completion of the third phase of municipal elections in nine municipalities, which saw a high turnout. On the economic front, we welcome the agreement signed between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, which establishes a unified development programme for 2026 as a framework for setting the country’s development budget. We regard this step to be a positive start towards having a unified national budget, the strengthening of economic governance, the unification of institutions and the consolidation of economic management. Panama notes the persistence of challenges and outstanding actions that demand political will, sustained commitment from all Libyan parties and coordinated international follow-up, including the protection of human rights, especially those of migrants and persons seeking refuge on Libyan territory. Experience shows that sanctions regimes are affected by structural challenges. That being so, we believe it necessary to strengthen and complement international cooperation, improve verification systems and ensure greater transparency in the registration and operation of vessels so that monitoring is more efficient. The effectiveness of sanctions lies not only in their official existence. They must be coupled with other mechanisms that bolster their implementation, including the political will of States to ensure compliance. We call for efforts to ensure compliance with the arms embargo in Libya, which is crucial to preventing further instability and sending a clear message that violations thereof are detrimental to peace and stability in the country. In conclusion, although the situation in Libya remains complex, Panama views recent progress with cautious optimism. We urge all Libyan parties to support the process facilitated by UNSMIL, engage with the political dialogue in good faith, restore trust between institutions and citizens, put the national interest first and comply with the agreed measures so as to bolster stability. Panama supports and values the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh and her team in moving the road map forward and their active dialogue with national and international political actors and Libyan civil society. We reaffirm Panama’s support for an inclusive and results-oriented political process, convinced that only through political commitment, effective electoral participation and the existence of legitimate and functional institutions can lasting peace and the welfare of the Libyan people be secured.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council plus (A3+), namely Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria. I thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf of Somalia, for presenting the report on the Committee’s activities. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh for her briefing and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya, Ambassador Taher El- Sonni, in this meeting. We convene today for our last mandated briefing on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for this year, at a time when Libya is witnessing a series of significant developments that continue to shape the country’s political trajectory. On the political front, the A3+ welcomes the successful completion of voting in nine municipalities in the eastern region of Libya. This is another demonstration of the people of Libya’s commitment to the principle of democracy. This is an important step towards advancing national consensus and paving the way for free and transparent general elections and the unification of all State institutions. The A3+ further takes note of the launch, earlier this week, of the structured dialogue, as part of UNSMIL’s political road map. We encourage effective and inclusive participation by all relevant actors and express optimism that this process will not be disrupted or undermined. We also underscore the imperative of placing Libyan ownership and leadership at the very heart of any credible process, with the ultimate aim of ending this transitional period. On the economic front, the A3+ welcomes the agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on a unified development programme for 2026. We urge both chambers to continue dialogue towards the adoption of a unified national budget and strengthened oversight of public expenditure. On the issue of Libyan frozen assets, the A3+ expresses once again its concern over the ongoing erosion of Libya’s frozen assets, erosion due to mismanagement by certain financial institutions. We demand full accountability and reparation in this regard. We also urge the issuance, without further delay of an implementation assistance notice on the implementation of paragraph 14 of resolution 2769 (2025), enabling finally the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest its frozen cash reserves. One year after the adoption of that resolution, no notice has been issued. Who is responsible for that delay? Stability in Libya remains uncertain amid external interference. This situation is further exacerbated by the continued flow of arms and fuel smuggling. This illicit traffic not only sustains the activities of local armed groups but also fuel the machinery of war in the Sudan and the Sahel, often with the active support of the same external actors. We therefore demand the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from the country. Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be fully respected. The A3+ also reiterates its call for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to further reinforce its engagement with the African Union and neighboring countries of Libya. In this regard, we welcome the convening, in Algiers on 6 November, of the mechanism of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Libya’s neighbouring countries, with the participation of Egypt and Tunisia, as well as my country, Algeria. The time has come for the Council to shoulder its historical responsibilities, not merely to make promises but to deliver on the ground, to move beyond crisis management and to confront those who obstruct Libya’s path to peace and stability. The weight of our duty is immense, yet the price of inaction would be far heavier for the people of Libya. We owe it to them. We cannot, and we must not, fail them again. History will judge us.

Let me thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Tetteh for her informative briefing, as well as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for his briefing. I also welcome the representative of Libya to our meeting today. Denmark has continuously reiterated the urgent need to revive the political process. In this regard, we express support to the implementation of the road map of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We welcome the launch of the strategic dialogues as one of the core pillars of the political road map. We hope the dialogues will enable broader segments of Libyan society, including women, youth and civil society, to build consensus around a shared vision for the country’s future. We also call on the House of Representatives and the High Council of State to complete the initial milestones: to reconstitute the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and adopt the electoral framework. Those first steps are critical in translating the road map into tangible actions. Denmark commends the successful completion of the third phase of municipal elections held across several Libyan municipalities, with a voter turnout estimated at 69 per cent. We hope this experience will strengthen the HNEC’s technical capacities to address any challenges that may arise during the national electoral process. We call on all Libyan parties to commit to facilitating long-overdue presidential and parliamentary elections in an inclusive, credible and transparent manner by engaging constructively with UNSMIL and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Increased economic and security integration is essential to ensuring Libya’s sovereignty, security and long-term prosperity. Such integration will complement and strengthen the political process. In this respect, we welcome the recent talks between the Libyan military leaders from the east and the west on strengthening coordination across military and security institutions. We urge Libyan leaders to continue expanding and institutionalizing the east-west coordination to advance the goal of a unified and stable Libya. We also welcome the agreement on the unified development programme signed by representatives of the House of Representatives and High State Council on 18 November. This represents a positive step on the path towards ensuring a more transparent and sustainable use of Libya’s development funds. It further demonstrates the Libyan parties’ ability to reach a compromise when there is political will. It is crucial that all Libyans can participate in shaping their country’s future. Yet, Libyan women continue to be marginalized from political processes. We are alarmed by the continued silencing of women through intimidation and smear campaigns. Ensuring a safe civic and online space for women is vital. We welcome UNSMIL’s efforts in advancing the rights of Libyan women and girls and ensuring their safe and meaningful participation across all spheres of life, including in political processes. We further welcome the establishment of a women’s caucus as part of the strategic dialogues to strengthen women's participation. We encourage UNMSIL to continue to prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights, including monitoring and reporting on reprisals against women human rights defenders and providing the necessary support to those at risk. In conclusion, we express our concern about the increased level of aggressive rhetoric against UNSMIL being voiced online. Any attempt at obstructing a United Nations mission’s work is equivalent to obstructing the implementation of the Council’s resolutions, which is unacceptable. UNSMIL has a vital role to play in facilitating a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. We express our full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in leading those efforts despite the challenging circumstances.

We are grateful to Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Hanna Tetteh and to Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf for their briefings. We welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. We acknowledge Ms. Hanna Tetteh’s extensive outreach efforts in advancing political reconciliation in Libya, including through the reinvigoration of the formats under the International Follow-up Committee on Libya. Pakistan also takes note of the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/792), which provides a candid and comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges shaping Libya’s political, security and socioeconomic trajectory. Against this backdrop, allow me to make the following points. First, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. Pakistan’s principled position remains anchored in a core conviction: a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process is the only viable pathway towards sustainable peace and stability. Secondly, the political road map facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) offers a timely and credible opportunity to advance political reconciliation and move towards ending the transition period. We note, however, the gap between intent and implementation. The suggested timelines for the first two initial steps of the road map, namely the appointments to the board of the High National Elections Commission and amendments to the electoral framework, have yet to be completed. We also take note that UNSMIL has initiated nominations for a structured dialogue process. In this context, we encourage all Libyan actors to engage constructively so that momentum is not lost at this critical juncture. Thirdly, we commend the High National Elections Commission for successfully conducting municipal elections across large parts of the country, reflecting the Libyan people’s enduring commitment to democratic participation. Fourthly, on the security track, we welcome the mediation efforts by relevant Libyan and international actors that contributed to de-escalating tensions in Tripoli and preventing a relapse into conflict. The fragile calm must now be consolidated through confidence-building measures, the full implementation of agreed security arrangements and sustained progress on security sector reform. Fifthly, Libya’s economic stability remains vital. Recent steps, such as the agreement on a unified development programme, currency withdrawal operations and increased transparency in the oil sector, are encouraging. Continued institutional cooperation towards a unified national budget and strengthened economic governance will be essential to ensuring long-term stability. Lastly, we reiterate the importance of safeguarding Libya’s frozen assets and ensuring their reinvestment for the benefit of the Libyan people, in line with resolution 2769 (2025). In this regard, the engagement of the Libyan Investment Authority with the financial institutions holding these assets remains vital. In conclusion, Pakistan remains committed to supporting all efforts that help the Libyan people realize their aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity. We will continue to work constructively with Council members and the wider international community towards that goal.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia. I thank Special Representative Tetteh and the representative of Somalia, speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for their briefings, and I welcome the representative of Libya to the meeting. At the outset, Slovenia welcomes the unanimous adoption, in October, of resolution 2796 (2025), renewing the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for one year. UNSMIL is a critical stabilizing presence in Libya, and its role remains especially relevant as work to overcome the political stalemate continues. Resolution 2796 (2025) builds on the findings of the strategic assessment and welcomes the political road map announced by the Special Representative in August. Special Representative Tetteh can count on Slovenia's continued support for her steadfast efforts, even as our membership of the Council comes to an end. It is vital now that all actors galvanize behind the work to revive a Libyan-led and -owned political process, as mandated by the Council — bringing an end to the transition phase, reunifying State institutions and delivering long-overdue elections. This responsibility ultimately lies with Libya's leaders. We regret that agreement has not yet been reached to lay the initial foundations for national elections. All sides must now move swiftly forward on the configuration of the High National Elections Commission and the amendment of the country's electoral framework. Any attempts to stall or to spoil this process, whether internal or external, are unacceptable. While progress at the political level is stalled, the Libyan people remain hungry for their voices to be heard. We welcome the structured dialogue launched just a few days ago in Tripoli, bringing together Libyans from across the country and diverse backgrounds, with international support from the International Follow-up Committee on Libya of the Berlin process. As we mark the tenth anniversary of the youth, peace and security agenda, it is particularly significant that Libyan youth representatives participated in this inaugural session. With Libya’s youth making up 38 per cent of the total population, they stand to lose or gain the most from the decisions made today. Without their input, no outcome can be sustainable. We furthermore welcome the establishment of a Libyan women’s caucus. Slovenia continues to support a process that is inclusive and respects the rights of all Libyans. Turning to economic issues, we were encouraged by the recent agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State on a unified development programme. This is a welcome step and shows what can be achieved when divisions between east and west are set aside in the national interest. We hope that this can ultimately lead to a unified national budget. Given how interconnected political and economic issues are, we also support the decision to establish a dedicated economic section within UNSMIL. Finally, while we welcome the relative stability that has held in Tripoli in recent months, we do not underestimate the potential for escalation in a very fragile context. The adoption of resolution 2804 (2025), in November, extending authorizations for inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, remains a useful tool to support implementation of the arms embargo. The European Union’s Operation IRINI continues to play its part, and we encourage others to do the same. We reiterate our call for all actors to refrain from unilateral actions and to take courageous steps to build consensus and to finally make a diplomatic breakthrough for the benefit of the Libyan people. The Security Council and the international community should remain united towards achieving this objective. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Libya.

At the outset, we thank Slovenia for organizing this meeting. We also thank Ms. Hannah Tetteh for her briefing and the representative of Somalia, speaking on behalf of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. I would also like to thank the five outgoing members of the Council — Algeria, Sierra Leone, Guyana, the Republic of Korea and Slovenia. We also thank our colleagues, the Permanent Representatives and their teams, in particular Algeria and its team representing Arab and African countries in the Council, for all the efforts exerted to support the Libyan file in the Council. Before I begin, I would also like to note certain elements in the report by the representative of Somalia on the 1970 Committee. We are requesting that members of the Council work more diligently when it comes to delisting Libyan citizens from sanctions lists after they proved there is no reason for them to be on those lists for more than 15 or 16 years, since the beginning of the crisis. That would be a positive signal from the Council towards comprehensive national reconciliation in Libya. This file need not be politicized any longer. We have taken note of the initiative by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for a structured dialogue. We hope that Libyans from different walks of life will agree on recommendations in areas of disagreement. These recommendations will be taken into consideration by the authorities and used as guidance to address different faults. Here, we reiterate that any upcoming dialogue or track, including the structured dialogue, should respect the terms of reference that govern those elements, including the agreement that is included in the constitutional declaration of 2018 and the road map. It should also include an accurate study of the reasons that a number of its provisions have not been implemented and propose solutions to end all transitional phases and not repeat the mistakes of the past, with the adoption of one road map after another. There should be no excuse, nor any gap, in terms of extending these transitions that Libya has endured. In addition, we should not depend on piecemeal solutions and should work to meet the aspirations of Libyans to put an end to the current political bodies simultaneously, through free and transparent elections. For the elections to be a success, we first need to address the legal position of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC). Here, we stress the need for the relevant entities to reconstitute the Board of HNEC, to name its members and to come up with an acceptable solution and alternative for holding elections if we cannot address the situation of the HNEC, so that this would not become a reason to prolong the crisis. If there is a serious will to find fundamental solutions to the current political impasse and crisis, which has been there for years, it is time to recall the draft Constitution, as completed in Bayda’ in 2017, which had a legal and constitutional quorum and enjoyed the widest possible political support in the three electoral regions. It is highly important, in order to build the State properly, to hold a referendum on this draft Constitution or on an amended draft thereof. The Constituent Assembly has been elected and is independent. It is a sovereign entity and therefore not subject to the judicial council. The political breakthrough, as recently expressed by political actors, to end the preconditions linking the parliamentary and presidential elections and the need to have a unified or a single Government is a development that could be built upon in order to proceed directly to the polls for a general election. This would be supplemented by the conclusion of municipal elections in many regions, most recently and in particular in the municipalities in which elections were deferred instead of proceeding according to their original schedules. This proves there is the possibility, ability and readiness to hold such elections when there is a political will and suitable conditions. In any case, any discussion must include a road map with a time frame that leads to general elections as soon as possible. Before proceeding with elections, there must be a consensus on fair laws, which are free of any exclusion or selectivity, to guarantee that they are implemented and successful, and that the results are respected. In a different context on the ground, the Government of National Unity, as part of its plan to achieve the required stability, has launched a security campaign whereby it has neutralized outlawed groups and sought to integrate a number of other security groups into the system, addressing any aberrations of such groups, in order for them to perform their security role. This had a positive effect on the path towards the desired stability, ending security violations and the extortion of institutions and enhancing the role of the regular national police so that it can perform its duties in a professional manner. As for the economy and financial domain, two representatives of the House of Representatives and High Council of State have signed the unified development programme agreement, which seeks to promote financial stability and to unify development efforts nationwide. The Agreement will promote governance and financial transparency and create a unified framework for spending on development projects. This is an important step that, if supported, will protect the macroeconomy from crises. I would like to take this opportunity to call for support for all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the brotherly country of the Sudan through calling on all parties to engage in dialogue. We also appeal to everyone to support Libya in addressing the spillover effect of immigrants and refugees from the Sudan and to improve their living conditions, as this has a direct impact on both countries. In closing, members are aware that, in the next few days, Libya will celebrate its Independence Day, on 24 December. This date was to be a celebration of the general elections that were supposed to be held in 2021. However, unfortunately, to date, that has not occurred. As we have stressed in previous briefings, the crisis in Libya is political in essence. It is not due to a lack of proposals or initiatives. Rather, it is caused by the continuing vicious cycle of transitional periods, with multiple tracks and foreign intervention. The stability of Libya is not only a Libyan demand but rather a main pillar for the stability of the entire region, from the Mediterranean to the depths of the Sahel and the Sahara. Any delay in achieving this stability will take a toll on everyone and have an impact on the entire region. Libyans today are paying the price for the differences among the world Powers and their disagreement. Libya, unfortunately, has turned into a battlefield for settling international scores — this goes far beyond just a purely internal Libyan crisis. We reaffirm that Libyans are looking forward to ending the current crisis through a democratic path that would take them towards stability and peace, with real Libyan ownership and responsible, international, non-selective support. We look forward to having self-determination in our own hands, with no custodianship, guardianship, intervention or prolonging of the crisis. We therefore hope that the Council will support the ambition of the Libyan people towards this goal.