S/PV.6498 Security Council

Allow me first to thank you, Sir, for your warm words of welcome, which I deeply appreciated. The world is experiencing one of the great revolutions that change the course of history. From North Africa to the Persian Gulf, the Arab people clamour to breathe the air of liberty and democracy. From the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia and the events of 25 January in Egypt, great hope arose and democratic transition was launched in a spirit of maturity and responsibility. In Morocco, King Mohammed VI announced in a courageous and visionary speech the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. This new Arab spring is good news, I am certain, for all of us. Our duty and interest require us to support these developments with confidence and availability — not to teach lessons or set examples, but to help each people to build its own future. In Libya, alas, for a number of weeks the will of the people has been crushed by the murderous repression led by Colonel Al-Qadhafi’s regime against his own people. That is why the General Assembly, pursuant to the 25 February request of the Human Rights Council, suspended Libya from that Council. That is why the Security Council determined on 26 February that “the widespread and systematic attacks currently taking place in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity” (resolution 1970 (2011)). In its resolution 1970 (2011), which was adopted unanimously, the Security Council recalled the Libyan authorities’ responsibility to protect the Libyan people and at the same time demanded an immediate end to the violence. It expressed the hope that those responsible for these crimes will be brought before the International Criminal Court and referred the matter to the Prosecutor. It imposed sanctions on Colonel Al-Qadhafi, members of his family and his accomplices. Finally, it imposed an embargo on arms destined for Libya. These measures have not been sufficient. Throughout the country, violence against the civilian population has only increased. Given this intolerable provocation, the international community has reacted in near unanimity. The European Union did so at the extraordinary meeting of the European Council on 11 March. The Group of Eight countries did so in Paris on Tuesday. Regional organizations have also expressed themselves forcefully. First and foremost, the League of Arab States called on the Security Council in its 12 March resolution to establish a no-fly zone. I also wish to commend the commitment of the African Union, which has called for an end to the violence against civilians. Despite these calls for peace, the situation in Libya today is more alarming than ever. As I speak, Colonel Al-Qadhafi’s troops pursue their violent conquest of liberated cities and territories. We must not give free rein to warmongers; we must not abandon civilian populations, the victims of brutal repression, to their fate; we must not allow the rule of law and international morality to be trampled underfoot. For this reason, France sought to contribute its utmost to the international momentum by working alongside the United Kingdom, the United States and others to prepare the draft resolution before the Council. The draft resolution provides the Council with the means to protect the civilian populations in Libya, first by establishing a no-fly zone and by authorizing the members of the Arab League and those Member States that so wish to take the measures necessary to implement its provisions. Furthermore, it authorizes these same States to take all measures necessary, over and above the no-fly zone, to protect civilians and territories, including Benghazi, which are under the threat of attack by Colonel Al-Qadhafi’s forces. Lastly, it strengthens the sanctions that have been adopted against the regime, including implementing the arms embargo, freezing the assets of authorities in Tripoli and prohibiting flights by Libyan airlines. France solemnly calls on all members of the Security Council to support this initiative and to adopt the draft resolution. If it is adopted, we are prepared to act with Member States — in particular Arab States — that wish to do so. We do not have much time left. It is a matter of days, perhaps even hours. Every hour and day that goes by means a further clampdown and repression for the freedom-loving civilian population, in particular the people of Benghazi. Every hour and day that goes by increases the burden of responsibility on our shoulders. If we are careful not to act too late, the Security Council will have the distinction of having ensured that in Libya law prevails over force, democracy over dictatorship and freedom over oppression.

I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, France, Gabon, Lebanon, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Against: None Abstaining: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russian Federation

The result of the voting is as follows: 10 votes in favour, none against and 5 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 1973 (2011). I shall now give the floor to members who wish to make statements following the voting.

We have all witnessed the rapidly unfolding painful events and the great suffering that has struck Libya, a brotherly country experiencing acts of violence and the use of heavy weapons and aircraft against large swaths of the civilian population. Hundreds of innocent victims have died and we have seen the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Libyan citizens. Faced with that great danger, the Security Council has not stood by idly. We adopted resolution 1970 (2011), which demanded the immediate cessation of all acts of violence. Given the grave danger posed by these crimes, the situation in Libya was referred to the International Criminal Court. For its part, the General Assembly decided to suspend Libya’s membership in the Human Rights Council. However, Colonel Al-Qadhafi’s regime disregarded the demands and yearnings of his people as well as international resolutions. Lebanon launched an appeal in the Security Council based on the resolution of the League of Arab States of 12 March, which stipulates that the Security Council must “assume its responsibilities with regard to the situation in Libya, including taking the necessary measures to impose a no-fly zone; the establishment of safe areas, especially in places that have been struck by aircraft; and measures to ensure the protection of the Libyan people and all foreign citizens”. Today’s resolution essentially takes into account the calls by the people of Libya and the demands by the League of Arab States for an end to the violent acts and atrocious crimes being carried out by Libyan authorities against their people. As indicated in the Arab League’s statement, those authorities have lost all legitimacy. Today’s resolution is aimed at protecting Libyan civilians. We underscore the fact that it will not result in the occupation of any parts of Libyan territory. In that regard, I would like to reiterate the following aspects. It is quite clear that Lebanon, which has itself experienced the atrocities of war and violence, would never advocate the use of force or support war in any part of the world — especially not in the brotherly country of Libya. Lebanon therefore hopes that the resolution adopted today will have a deterring effect, ensure that Libyan authorities move away from using all forms of violence against their own people, and avert the use of force. As we did during the various stages of the negotiations that led to the adoption of this resolution, I would also like to reaffirm the importance of and need for full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya. Lebanon also reaffirms the importance of close cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. This aspect has also been included in the resolution we have just adopted. We fully understand that the provisions and actions called for by the resolution cannot alone guarantee stability in Libya. We therefore reaffirm the importance of the efforts undertaken to achieve a peaceful solution to the situation in Libya. We support the mission of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Mr. Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib. Faced with the great suffering being experienced by the Libyan people, the loss of life and the great dangers that still exist, although this resolution falls short of our expectations, we hope that it carries a great deal of hope for a better future for Libya and its valiant people. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): The situation in Libya is clear. A violent, discredited regime that has lost all legitimacy is using weapons of war against civilians. Al-Qadhafi’s regime has ignored this Council’s demand in resolution 1970 (2011) that it stop the violence against the Libyan people. It is now preparing for a violent assault on a city of 1 million people that has a history dating back 2,500 years. It has begun air strikes in anticipation of what we expect to be a brutal attack using air, land and sea forces. Al-Qadhafi has publicly promised no mercy and no pity. We have also seen reports today of a grotesque offer of amnesty — this, from a regime that has advertised its determination to continue persecuting and killing those Libyans who want only to take control of their own future. The international community has come together in deploring the actions of the Al-Qadhafi regime and demanding that the regime end this violence against the Libyan people. International opinion has looked to the Security Council to act. The League of Arab States has been particularly clear in its demands, including for the imposition of a no-fly zone. That is why the United Kingdom, in close cooperation with Lebanon and France, has pressed for the early adoption of today’s resolution. My Government welcomes the fact that the Council has acted swiftly and comprehensively in response to the appalling situation in Libya and to the appeal of the Arab League. Resolution 1973 (2011) demands that Colonel Al-Qadhafi implement an immediate ceasefire. It imposes a no-fly zone to prevent the Al-Qadhafi regime from using air power against the Libyan people. It authorizes Member States to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack. It rules out a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory. It imposes a range of additional measures, including significant action to tighten enforcement of the arms embargo and to deny the regime access to funds. We, along with partners in the Arab world and in NATO, are now ready to shoulder our responsibilities in implementing resolution 1973 (2011). The central purpose of the resolution is clear: to end the violence, to protect civilians and to allow the people of Libya to determine their own future, free from the tyranny of the Al-Qadhafi regime. The Libyan population wants the same rights and freedoms that people across the Middle East and North Africa are demanding and that are enshrined in the values of the United Nations Charter. Today’s resolution puts the weight of the Security Council squarely behind the Libyan people in defence of those values.

We have gathered today to address the serious situation in Libya. Our intention is to stop the violence in the country and to send clear messages to Al-Qadhafi and his regime that their time is over. Muammar Al-Qadhafi must relinquish power immediately. His regime has lost all legitimacy and can no longer be an interlocutor for us. While we act on Libya, North Africa is undergoing major political changes. Aspirations to democracy and human and individual rights merit our full support. They offer unique opportunities for political, social and economic transformation. To achieve this goal, we seek close cooperation with our partners in the region, in particular the League of Arab States and the African Union. Our aim is to promote the political transformation of Libya. We see a need to stop the violence and to start a true political process. The basis for democracy and the rule of law in Libya needs to be established and broadened. In this process, the people of Libya, who have so clearly expressed their aspirations to freedom and democracy, need to succeed. With this aim in mind, we regard the Interim Transitional National Council as an important interlocutor. We welcome the Secretary-General’s appointment of Mr. Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib as his Special Envoy for Libya. His mission merits our respect and our full support. We are particularly concerned about the plight of the Libyan people and the widespread and systematic attacks they are suffering. It is therefore crucial that we tighten the sanctions against the Al-Qadhafi regime even more. We need to cut it off from the financial means that have helped it to remain in power. In our view, strong sanctions, backed by the whole international community, will be an effective way to end the rule of Muammar Al-Qadhafi and thereby to initiate the necessary political transition. We have contributed a number of proposals in this regard. Germany fully supports the package of economic and financial sanctions in the resolution just adopted. Decisions on the use of military force are always extremely difficult to take. We have very carefully considered the option of using military force — its implications as well as its limitations. We see great risks. The likelihood of large-scale loss of life should not be underestimated. If the steps proposed turn out to be ineffective, we see the danger of being drawn into a protracted military conflict that would affect the wider region. We should not enter into a militarily confrontation on the optimistic assumption that quick results with few casualties will be achieved. Germany therefore decided not to support a military option, as foreseen particularly in paragraphs 4 and 8 of the resolution. Furthermore, Germany will not contribute to such a military effort with its own forces. Germany therefore decided to abstain in the voting.

Today, the Security Council has responded to the Libyan people’s cry for help. The Council’s purpose is clear — to protect innocent civilians. On 26 February, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council demanded a halt to the violence in Libya and enabled genuine accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity by referring the situation to the International Criminal Court. We adopted strong sanctions that target Libya’s leadership. We have also strongly supported all aspects of United Nations Special Envoy Al-Khatib’s mandate. But Colonel Al-Qadhafi and those who still stand by him continue to grossly and systematically abuse the most fundamental human rights of Libya’s people. On 12 March, the League of Arab States called on the Security Council to establish a no-fly zone and to take other measures to protect civilians. Today’s resolution is a powerful response to that call and to the urgent needs on the ground. The resolution demands an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to violence and attacks against civilians. Responding to the Libyan people and to the League of Arab States, the Security Council has authorized the use of force, including the enforcement of a no-fly zone, to protect civilians and civilian areas targeted by Colonel Al-Qadhafi, his intelligence and security forces, and his mercenaries. The resolution also strengthens enforcement of the arms embargo and bans all international flights by Libyan-owned or operated aircraft. The resolution freezes the assets of seven more individuals and five entities, including key State-owned Libyan companies. The resolution empowers the newly established Libyan sanctions committee to impose sanctions on those who violate the arms embargo, including by providing Al-Qadhafi with mercenaries. Finally, the Council established a panel of experts to monitor and enhance short- and long-term implementation of the sanctions on Libya. The future of Libya should be decided by the people of Libya. The United States stands with the Libyan people in support of their universal rights.

India has been following with serious concern the developments in Libya, which have led to the loss of numerous lives and injuries to many more. We are very concerned about the welfare of the civilian population and of foreigners in Libya. We deplore the use of force, which is totally unacceptable and must not be resorted to. The Secretary-General has appointed a Special Envoy, who has just visited Libya. We support his appointment and his mission. However, we have not had the benefit of his report or even a report from the Secretariat on his assessment as yet. That would have given us an objective analysis of the situation on the ground. The African Union is also sending a high-level panel to Libya to make serious efforts for a peaceful end to the crisis there. We must stress the importance of political efforts, including those of the Secretary- General’s Special Envoy, to address the situation. The Council has today adopted a resolution that authorizes far-reaching measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with relatively little credible information on the situation on the ground in Libya. We also do not have clarity about details of enforcement measures, including who will participate and with what assets, and how these measures will exactly be carried out. It is of course very important that there be full respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Libya. The financial measures that are proposed in the resolution could impact directly or through indirect routes the ongoing trade and investment activities of a number of Member States, thereby adversely affecting the economic interests of the Libyan people and others dependent on these trade and economic ties. Moreover, we have to ensure that the measures will mitigate and not exacerbate an already difficult situation for the people of Libya. Clarity in the resolution on any spillover effects of these measures would have been very important. We abstained in the voting on the resolution in view of the aforementioned. I would like to re-emphasize that India continues to be gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya and calls on the Libyan authorities to cease fire, protect the civilian population and address the legitimate demands of the Libyan people.

Brazil is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Libya. We stand behind the strong message of resolution 1970 (2011) adopted by consensus by the Council. The Government of Brazil has publicly condemned the use of violence by the Libyan authorities against unarmed demonstrators, and calls on them to uphold and protect the right of free expression of the protesters and to seek a solution to the crisis through meaningful dialogue. Our vote today should in no way be interpreted as condoning the behaviour of the Libyan authorities or as disregard for the need to protect civilians and respect their rights. Brazil stands in solidarity with all movements in the region expressing legitimate demands for better governance, more political participation, economic opportunities and social justice. We condemn the Libyan authorities’ disrespect for their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. We also took into account the call of the League of Arab States for strong measures to stop the violence through a no-fly zone. We are sensitive to that call and understand and share the League’s concerns. It is our view that the text of resolution 1973 (2011) contemplates measures that go far beyond that call. We are not convinced that the use of force as provided for in paragraph 4 of the resolution will lead to the realization of our common objective — the immediate end to violence and the protection of civilians. We are also concerned that such measures may have the unintended effect of exacerbating tensions on the ground and causing more harm than good to the very same civilians we are committed to protecting. Many thoughtful commentators have noted that an important aspect of the popular movement in North Africa and the Middle East is their spontaneous, home- grown nature. We are also concerned about the possibility that the use of military force, as called for in paragraph 4 of today’s resolution, could change that narrative in ways that may have serious repercussions for the situation in Libya and beyond. Protecting civilians, ensuring a lasting settlement and addressing the legitimate demands of the Libyan people require diplomacy and dialogue. We support the efforts being made in this regard by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and by the African Union. We also welcome the inclusion in today’s resolution of operative paragraphs demanding an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against civilians, and stressing the need to intensify efforts conducive to the political reforms necessary for a peaceful and sustainable solution. We hope that these efforts will proceed and succeed.

At the outset, allow me to reiterate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s grave concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya. Human lives must be protected and human rights and humanitarian law must be observed. The need for humanitarian assistance to be provided to Libyans is urgent. Therefore, enabling the unimpeded passage for the delivery of humanitarian aid is a prerogative. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the involvement of regional stakeholders in searching for an end to the Libyan crisis. We believe that the coordinated approach of international actors, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union and other regional organizations is crucial to finding the most adequate solution to the crisis in Libya. By fully supporting Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Bosnia and Herzegovina calls once again on the Libyan authorities to immediately stop all military and other violent acts against the Libyan people. We strongly believe that resolution 1973 (2011)) is for the benefit of the Libyan people and their aspiration to peace and democracy.

I should like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for the impartial and efficient way in which you have conducted this debate in difficult and pressing circumstances. I should also like to recognize the contribution of the delegation of Lebanon, both as a member of the Council and as spokesperson for the League of Arab States, to these deliberations. Colombia voted in favour of resolution 1973 (2011) because it is convinced that its purpose is essentially humanitarian and conducive to creating conditions that will allow for the protection of the civilian population from the atrocities of a regime that has lost all legitimacy. We did not vote in favour of the indiscriminate use of force or of the occupation of a State. We voted in favour of measures that are aimed at protecting the civilian population from imminent attacks by a Government that, through its actions and statements, has shown that it is not up to the international responsibility of protecting its population. Moreover, the Council unanimously reminded the Libyan authorities of that responsibility in its resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February. The Government of Colombia deeply deplores the fact that the provisions of that resolution have been systematically violated and that our calls have gone unheeded. We deplore also the fact that this time there is not the unanimity we saw in the case of resolution 1970 (2011). Colombia believes that the new resolution that we have just adopted represents the continuation of a process involving gradual measures that is in keeping with the Charter and that we began with resolution 1970 (2011), which was adopted by the Council under Chapter VII of the Charter. In resolution 1970 (2011), the Council decided unanimously that it would keep this matter under review and that it was willing to consider the strengthening of sanctions should there be persistent non-compliance by the Libyan regime. My delegation believes that this is what we have done today. My delegation is clear on the fact that the Libyan authorities had sufficient time to comply with resolution 1970 (2011) and in particular the call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence. In the face of this non-compliance, the Council has a pressing need to act. It has decided that the best way to increase the pressure on the Al-Qadhafi regime under current circumstances is through the establishment of a no-fly zone, as requested by the States members of the League of Arab States. Colombia shares the view of those delegations that have affirmed or suggested that perhaps even more important than the establishment of a no-fly zone is its enforcement. It is for this reason that from the very beginning we supported the inclusion of language granting clear authorization to States to use all the means necessary to enforce the ban on flights as set out by the terms of the resolution. Without this authorization, the no-fly zone would be illusory. Also important are the decisions we have taken to strengthen the freezing of the assets of individuals and entities with ties to the regime. Colombia is convinced that in the case of Libya, all of the conditions are present for the Council to act under Chapter VII and take measures additional to the sanctions adopted previously. We are facing a situation that clearly constitutes a threat to international peace and security and that, furthermore, has already taken a high toll in terms of human lives. We have effectively responded to an express request made by a regional organization, the Arab League, which, to its great credit, instead of acting on its own went to the Council to call for it to discharge the functions assigned to it by the Charter. Colombia is secure in the knowledge that it is acting in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.

The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on the draft resolution on Libya on the basis of a number of considerations of principle. Our position regarding the clear unacceptability of the use of force against the civilian population of Libya remains unchanged. Any attacks against civilians and other violations of international humanitarian law and human rights must immediately and unconditionally cease. We base ourselves on the expectation that the relevant requirements contained in the unanimously adopted resolution 1970 (2011) must be rapidly and fully fulfilled by the Libyan authorities. This has not happened yet. Given this situation, the League of Arab States turned to the Security Council with a request that it take immediate measures to ensure the protection of the civilian population in Libya, including the establishment of a no-fly zone in Libyan airspace. We gave that request our full attention. We participated actively in the discussions on the draft resolution. Unfortunately, work on that document was not in keeping with standard practice in the Security Council. In essence, a whole range of questions raised by Russia and other members of the Council remained unanswered. Those questions were concrete and legitimate and touched on how the no-fly zone would be enforced, what the rules of engagement would be and what limits on the use of force there would be. Furthermore, the draft was morphing before our very eyes, transcending the initial concept as stated by the League of Arab States. Provisions were introduced into the text that could potentially open the door to large-scale military intervention. During negotiations on the draft, statements were heard claiming an absence of any such intentions. We take note of these. I underscore yet again that we are consistent and firm advocates of the protection of the civilian population. Guided by this basic principle as well as by the common humanitarian values that we share with both the sponsors and other Council members, Russia did not prevent the adoption of this resolution. However, we remain convinced that the quickest way to ensure robust security for the civilian population and the long-term stabilization of the situation in Libya is an immediate ceasefire. This, specifically, was the aim of our draft resolution submitted to the Security Council on 16 March, which backed relevant efforts by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, the Human Rights Council and the African Union and underscored the need for a peaceful settlement of the situation in Libya. The Russian delegation repeatedly proposed the adoption of such a resolution without any delay, with a view to saving numerous human lives. We enjoyed the support of a number of Council members, and we are grateful to them. However, the passion of some Council members for methods involving force prevailed. This is most unfortunate and regrettable. Responsibility for the inevitable humanitarian consequences of the excessive use of outside force in Libya will fall fair and square on the shoulders of those who might undertake such action. If this comes to pass, then not only the civilian population of Libya but also the cause of upholding peace and security throughout the entire region of North Africa and the Middle East will suffer. Such destabilizing developments must be avoided.

Since the outset of the Libyan popular uprising, Portugal has consistently condemned the indiscriminate violence against civilians and the gross and systematic violation of human rights and of humanitarian law perpetrated by a regime that has lost all its credibility and legitimacy vis-à-vis its own population and the international community. We have appealed for the cessation of all violence and for the establishment of an immediate ceasefire as well as for the full protection of civilians and foreign residents in Libya and their right to leave the country without hindrance and in safe conditions. We have drawn attention to the plight of the thousands and thousands of refugees forced to flee the violence and the need to afford them all humanitarian assistance possible. Due to these reasons, we voted with the other members of the Council for resolution 1970 (2011), which was adopted unanimously. Nevertheless, the authorities in Tripoli took no note of that resolution and have failed totally to abide by it. On the contrary, since 26 February, the violence has escalated, as have the crimes committed against the Libyan population. Civilians have been bombarded from land and air. Portugal has also constantly stressed the need for a national political dialogue that would enable the Libyan population to fulfil its legitimate aspirations to build a democratic, modern State based on the sovereignty of the people and on institutions that would represent them effectively. For the international community, the regime that has ruled Libya for more than 40 years has come to an end by the will of the Libyan people. It has to be fundamentally reformed through a peaceful process. Today we voted for this resolution because we believe that it fulfils these essential objectives: to establish an immediate ceasefire; to put an end to violence; to protect civilians; to allow for unimpeded humanitarian aid; and to lead to a national dialogue among the Libyans conducive to the establishment of a democratic State, guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the country, as desired by the Libyan people. In that context, we fully support the mission entrusted by the Secretary-General to Mr. Al-Khatib and his efforts to find a sustainable and peaceful solution to this crisis, as we support the efforts of the Arab League and of the African Union in this same sense.

Resolution 1973 (2011), which was just adopted, was necessitated by the persistently grave and dire situation in Libya. Notwithstanding the clear expression of our common will and the comprehensive measures instituted under resolution 1970 (2011), the Libyan authorities have continued to violate the terms of the resolution and fundamental principles of international law. The current state of affairs leaves an indelible imprint on the conscience and moves us to act. The magnitude of this humanitarian disaster is indeed what compelled Nigeria to vote in favour of resolution 1973 (2011). Our persistent calls for peace are rooted in the need to ensure the safety and dignity of and the availability of humanitarian assistance for a population in need, many of whom are Nigerian nationals. The emphasis of the resolution on the protection of civilians under threat of attack and the provisions for humanitarian assistance do much to address these concerns. The League of Arab States and the African Union have spoken with one voice in condemnation of the situation in Libya — and rightly so, as the crisis is one of regional import. As a member of the Security Council and a member of the African Union, Nigeria maintains that foreign occupation is not an option to secure peace in Libya. We acknowledge the language in resolution 1973 (2011) that specifically carves out that possibility, constraining the actions of States seeking to play a role in the quest for peace. Moreover, we are guided by an overriding determination to respect the unity and territorial integrity of Libya. We are also encouraged by the fact that the resolution supports the political path to conflict resolution, underscoring as it does the efforts of the African Union high-level committee, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy and other interlocutors. Today, we have sent an unequivocal message to the Libyan people that the dignity and safety of every man, woman and child is paramount. It is important that when civilians in grave danger cry out, the international community, undaunted, is ready to respond.

South Africa is deeply concerned about the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in Libya, which is fast becoming a full-blown civil war. It is our hope that the situation in Libya will be resolved in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the will of the Libyan people. A holistic political solution must be found that will respect democracy, political reform, justice, human rights and the socio-economic development needs of the people of Libya, in order to ensure long- term peace and stability. That solution must also preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya. It is in that context that South Africa commends the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council to dispatch an ad hoc high-level committee to Libya to intensify efforts towards finding a lasting political solution to the crisis in that country, in the best interest of its people. We urge that committee, of which South Africa is a member, to work closely with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Libya and the League of Arab States in coordinating the search for a political solution in that regard. In adopting resolution 1970 (2011), the Security Council had hoped that the Libyan authorities would act responsibly and stop committing more acts of violence against their own people. The authorities have defied that resolution and have continued to kill and displace numerous civilians while continuing to violate their human rights. We believe that the United Nations and the Security Council could not be silent, nor be seen to be doing nothing in the face of such grave acts of violence committed against innocent civilians. We believe that by adopting resolution 1973 (2011), which South Africa voted in favour of, the Security Council has responded appropriately to the call of the countries of the region to strengthen the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011), and has acted responsibly to protect and save the lives of defenceless civilians, who are faced with brutal acts of violence carried out by the Libyan authorities. We believe that the establishment of these additional measures, including a ceasefire and a no-fly zone, as authorized by this resolution, constitute an important element for the protection of civilians and the safety of the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most vulnerable and those desperately in need of such assistance. As a matter of principle, we have supported the resolution, with the necessary caveats to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya and reject any foreign occupation or unilateral military intervention under the pretext of protecting civilians. It is our hope that this resolution will be implemented in full respect for both its letter and spirit. This is consistent with the African Union Peace and Security Council decision to respect the unity and territorial integrity of Libya and its rejection of any foreign military intervention, whatever its form. In conclusion, South Africa will continue to work through the Council, the African Union and other multilateral and bilateral platforms to contribute to a speedy resolution of the Libyan crisis in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the people of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of China. China is gravely concerned by the continuing deterioration of the situation in Libya. We support the Security Council’s adoption of appropriate and necessary action to stabilize the situation in Libya as soon as possible and to halt acts of violence against civilians. China has always emphasized that, in its relevant actions, the Security Council should follow the United Nations Charter and the norms governing international law, respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Libya and resolve the current crisis in Libya through peaceful means. China is always against the use of force in international relations. In the Security Council’s consultations on resolution 1973 (2011), we and other Council members asked specific questions. However, regrettably, many of those questions failed to be clarified or answered. China has serious difficulty with parts of the resolution. Meanwhile, China attaches great importance to the relevant position by the 22-member Arab League on the establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya. We also attach great importance to the position of African countries and the African Union. In view of this, and considering the special circumstances surrounding the situation in Libya, China abstained from the voting on resolution 1973 (2011). We support the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Libya, as well as the continuing efforts by the African Union and the Arab League to address the current crisis in Libya by peaceful means. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.