S/PV.6620 Security Council

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2009 (2011). I shall now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): May I take this opportunity to welcome Ambassador Dabbashi to the Security Council this afternoon. The Libyan people have shown remarkable courage and perseverance over the past six months in standing up for their rights and creating the conditions under which they can decide their own future, a future that the National Transitional Council (NTC) has made clear will belong to all Libyans, not only the privileged few, and in which the fundamental rights and freedoms of all will be promoted and protected. The NTC has set out a vision for the political transition in Libya and has already taken positive steps towards achieving it. We welcome the Libyans’ resuming their seat in the United Nations and look forward to the establishment of an interim Government. There exists now an opportunity for Libya and its people to achieve their full potential. It will not be easy. Huge challenges remain on security, stabilization and economic recovery. It is for the Libyans themselves to tackle those challenges and shape their future, but they can be assured that the international community stands ready to support them as they set about the considerable tasks ahead. The unanimous adoption today of resolution 2009 (2011) will provide the National Transitional Council with the support it needs as it implements its priorities. It establishes a United Nations Mission that will, among other things, provide support to Libyans in preparing for elections so that they can choose their own leaders; assist in institution-building so that they can provide services to their people; help to promote and protect human rights; and support steps towards economic recovery so as to ensure a prosperous and stable future for Libya. By providing a mechanism for progressively de-listing sanctioned entities and unfreezing their assets, the resolution will help to kick- start Libya’s economy and encourage economic self- sufficiency. The bravery and determination of the Libyan people have sent a strong message to repressive regimes everywhere that the legitimate demands and rights of people cannot be ignored. People have basic rights to which they are entitled. People know these rights. They will struggle for them and, eventually, they will win them.

The Russian Federation supported resolution 2009 (2011), just adopted, based on our policy of addressing the issue of rebuilding post-war Libya exclusively under the auspices of the United Nations and the Security Council. The main task of the United Nations mission established today will be to support the transition process in Libya. The establishment of peace in Libya through political and diplomatic channels is an absolute priority. It is important that the resolution reflects the Council’s intention to consider, in the near future, the issue of lifting the no-fly zone over Libyan territory, in particular because in a number of cases the zone has been violated arbitrarily. We reiterate that the main purpose of creating the no-fly zone was to protect civilians. Unfortunately, the Council’s mandate for conducting the operation in Libya was disregarded, resulting in air strikes that also targeted civilian facilities and killed civilians. Now, in view of the new realities on the ground and in the air, maintaining the no-fly zone no longer makes sense. The lifting of that ban must be included among the international community’s efforts to normalize the situation and address the aftermath of the Libyan crisis. At this stage, we must also focus on the pressing problems in the human rights sphere. We must carry out a thorough investigation of all facts related to human rights violations during the conflict in Libya. It has become increasingly clear that crimes were committed by all parties to the conflict from its very outset. Evidence has been uncovered of mass murders of detainees, torture, forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. Of particular concern is the situation faced by nationals of African countries who have suffered wholly unjustified persecution and violence. We expect relevant steps to be taken by the new Libyan authorities. The declaration on creating a new democratic Libya should be backed by real steps by the National Transitional Council confirming its commitment to tolerance and promoting the process of national reconciliation.

I welcome the vote by the General Assembly this morning which confirmed, by an overwhelming majority, the reintegration of Libya within the United Nations family, which today welcomes the representatives of the new Libya. I would like to welcome Ambassador Dabbashi, whose personal valour is well known. A historic step has been made to restore Libya to a normalized international status. It is one further step towards the establishment of a democratic Libya, with which France will be proud to associate. It is now up to the Security Council to play its part in contributing to this process, as it has already done in adopting resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011). In that context, we have just adopted resolution 2009 (2011), which provides the Libyan people with the instruments necessary to build a better future. The Security Council has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting the legitimate expectations of the Libyan people. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya will provide the Libyan people with all necessary assistance in order to prepare for elections, draft a constitution and build the institutions of a democratic and free State that respects human rights and the rule of law, as the representatives of the new Libya have pledged to do. It is also our responsibility to restore to the Libyan authorities the economic means for their activities. The gradual unfreezing of assets through a clear and well-organized mechanism will help the Libyan economy recover, thus promoting the reconstruction of the country. But we must first and foremost congratulate the Libyan people. They have demonstrated magnificent courage and determination. In rising up against oppression, they have manifested their will to defend their right to live in dignity in a free and democratic country. As President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy said yesterday in Tripoli and in Benghazi, we will continue to stand alongside the Libyan people who won peace, freedom and economic progress and, along with our European partners and the Council, we will give them our full support.

I wish to warmly welcome Ambassador Dabbashi and to congratulate him on today’s approval by the General Assembly of his credentials. We fully support resolution 2009 (2011), just adopted. We also highly welcome its unanimous adoption. This sends a strong message of the unity of the Council at this important crossroads in Libya’s history. A new era has begun in Libya and is reflected in the resolution adopted today. Most importantly, it is guided by the ownership and responsibility of the Libyan people. The process of democratic transition was started by the Libyan people and it must remain in the hands of the Libyan people. By mandating the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Council has heeded the call of the Libyan authorities for support and advice in key areas. As agreed by all stakeholders, the United Nations will play the central role in coordinating international support. Germany is ready to contribute actively to this endeavour. The resolution also marks an important step for Libya’s economic recovery. When the asset freeze is lifted and modified, the local economy and trade will be kick-started. However, this is a first step only. It is clear that eventually all economic sanctions on those entities under the control of the Libyan authorities will be lifted. With today’s resolution, the Council also sends a political message. A consultative and inclusive political process will be key for the democratic transition of Libya. The full participation of women in this process should be promoted. Also, national reconciliation and the protection of the human rights of all Libyans and foreign workers are critical. We welcome the Transitional National Council’s repeated commitment to that end. To conclude, much remains to be done, but with today’s resolution, the Council has demonstrated its strong will to support the Libyan people on their path to a democratic and prosperous society.

Through resolution 2009 (2011), the Council has unanimously affirmed its willingness to support the Libyan people in their efforts to restore order and bring about democracy. In this resolution, as well as in the General Assembly’s approval earlier today of the Transitional National Council’s credentials to represent Libya, we all stand witness to the birth of a new Libya. The resolution responds directly to the request from the Transitional National Council for international assistance during this period of change. We encourage the United Nations, including through its newly established United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to develop a close and collaborative relationship with Libya’s new leaders. We look forward to the naming of a special representative of the Secretary-General to lead the new Mission, and we are encouraged by the Secretary- General’s determination to get United Nations personnel on the ground as soon as possible. We wish to express our profound appreciation for the service of Special Envoy Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib, and we look forward to continued close cooperation with the Special Adviser to coordinate post-conflict planning for Libya, Ian Martin, as he works with the Transitional National Council on transition issues in the days ahead. The United States particularly welcomes the Council’s decision to scale back and modify the sanctions that it imposed on Libya seven months ago in response to Al-Qadhafi’s violence against his people. As a result, the Libyan authorities will be able to re-energize the Libyan economy while some measures are kept in place to ensure that previously frozen funds are released in a transparent and responsible way as the situation normalizes and the transition proceeds, and that they are released in the interests of the people of Libya. In the weeks and months ahead, we hope that the Council, in close consultation with the new Libyan Government, will respond to the situation on the ground by adopting further resolutions to provide support for the Libyan people. As Libya begins this new era, the United States offers our very best wishes to the Libyan people, who suffered for many years under one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships. We stand fully ready to assist Libya’s citizens in building a new society based on democracy, pluralism and the rule of law.

Over the past few days, China has repeatedly emphasized that, in addressing the Libyan issue, we must adhere to the following four principles. First, stability and order should be restored to the country as soon as possible, in the interests of Libya and the international community. Secondly, the aspirations and choices of the Libyan people must be respected. Libya’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be genuinely respected. The future and national affairs of the country should be decided by the Libyans themselves. Thirdly, an inclusive political process should be launched as soon as possible. National reconciliation should be promoted, enabling Libya to embark swiftly on the path of national reconciliation and development. Fourthly, in assisting Libya in its reconstruction, the United Nations and the Security Council should play a leading role in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. On the basis of these four principles, China voted in favour of resolution 2009 (2011), just adopted. China will continue to support the Libyan people in their efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, rebuild their country and pursue development.

Allow me to welcome our Libyan colleague to the Council and especially to underline the General Assembly’s vote this morning, which allowed for the full reintegration of Libya into our community of nations. Let me also underline the unanimity of the Council in adopting the very important resolution 2009 (2011). Portugal welcomes the improved situation in Libya and looks forward to a smooth and peaceful transition through a Libyan-led and owned, inclusive and representative process. We also welcome the statements issued by the National Transitional Council expressing its commitment to national reconciliation, human rights, justice and the rule of law. Over the past six months, we have witnessed significant developments in Libya. Women have played a central role in the historic events that have taken place and continue to take place in the country. It is now fundamental to ensure the equal participation of Libyan women in all aspects of the transition process and their inclusion in national and international decision-making about their country’s future and in national reconciliation processes. We also strongly encourage the Libyan authorities to pursue the active protection of the human rights of their citizens and foreign residents, and to ensure that all serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice. Portugal fully supports the guiding principles of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL): national ownership, speed of response and rapid delivery, and effective coordination of international assistance. We also endorse the National Transitional Council’s request for the assistance and support of the international community in implementing its plans for the stabilization and rebuilding of the country, according to the priorities it has set out. With the adoption of resolution 2009 (2011), the conditions have been met for the swift setting up of UNSMIL, thus enabling the United Nations to promptly assist the Libyan authorities in addressing manifold challenges and in meeting the timetable to which they have committed themselves. The establishment of an integrated United Nations support mission for an initial period of three months will allow the new authorities and the United Nations to plan further and more effectively for a longer period, based on a phased approach. We recall that in several resolutions dealing with women and peace and security, the Security Council has expressed its willingness to incorporate a gender perspective into United Nations missions. Portugal will continue to stress the importance of incorporating this dimension into all political peacekeeping mandates. The positive contribution that women can make to all aspects of post-conflict situations has long been established. As Libya enters a new chapter of its history, the international community must unite to assist the Libyan people in the tremendous tasks and challenges that lie ahead. We therefore welcome the leading and coordinating role of the United Nations, and in particular the efforts of the Secretary-General in this regard. Portugal stands ready to support the Libyan people on their path to peace and democracy, including in the framework of the Security Council and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) in this new phase, in which funds need to be made available for State-building, economic recovery and urgent humanitarian assistance. Allow me to say a very heartfelt word of appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Al-Khatib and the valuable role he has played in recent months. I would also like to commend the work of Mr. Ian Martin and his team in preparing for the establishment of UNSMIL, and wish him and all his staff every success in the challenging tasks ahead.

We welcome the establishment of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, under the leadership of a special representative of the Secretary-General, for an initial period of three months with a mandate set out in resolution 2009 (2011). The Libyan people have sought a change in their country, and their legitimate aspirations to a more democratic society are being realized. This has turned out to be a historic year for the brave people of Libya. Bosnia and Herzegovina believes that resolution 2009 (2011) is an important and necessary element of economic recovery, reconstruction and the normalization of the living conditions in Libya. It is time for Libya to move forward and restore its political and economic life and to promote national reconciliation.

In recent months, the Libyan people have made immense sacrifices in order to achieve their aspirations for a democratic Libya whose potential prosperity will benefit all Libyan citizens. A new stage in the history of the country has begun and a reform process launched that is aimed at guaranteeing the rights and meeting the needs of its people, which have for so long been denied them. Today, when the General Assembly recognized the new representative of Libya and the Security Council has adopted a resolution marking the first step on the return to normalcy, is the time to renew our comprehensive assistance to the Libyan authorities in order to achieve a lasting peace through reconciliation, reconstruction, economic recovery and the onset of all necessary reform to promote the establishment of democracy and development in that country. That is why, in adopting resolution 2009 (2011) pursuant to the principles and responsibilities enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in full respect and promotion of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya, we fully support the establishment of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which, under the principle of national ownership, will extend its full cooperation in order to fulfil the priorities established by the Libyan people themselves.

We, too, welcome Ambassador Dabbashi back to the Council. South Africa reaffirms the African Union’s efforts to bring a peaceful end to the Libyan crisis. These efforts have always been informed by and directed towards promoting the genuine and legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people. The African Union remains committed to supporting efforts to bring a peaceful end to the crisis in Libya. The Peace and Security Council ad hoc committee, meeting in Pretoria on 14 September, indicated its readiness to work with the National Transitional Council and all other Libyan stakeholders towards the goal of the early establishment of an all-inclusive national unity Government. South Africa supports international post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation and rebuilding efforts to assist the Libyan people in turning over a new leaf after this conflict. Therefore this resolution 2009 (2011) is very important to my delegation, as it will serve as a foundation for all United Nations support to Libya’s post-conflict reconstruction. Ownership of these efforts by the Libyan people is critical. We would like to address three issues that are important to us in the context of the resolution. First, the situation in Libya has improved, but there is still a long way for the Libyans to go towards achieving peace, security and stability. The immediate challenge is for a peaceful end to the conflict. A complete and verifiable ceasefire, including an end to the NATO military campaign, is a prerequisite for stability. This will enable the Libyan people to focus their efforts on rebuilding and reconstructing their country. South Africa is disappointed that the Council was unable to include a clear call for the cessation of hostilities. Secondly, the Council has shown reluctance to come out in strong and clear support of the 2.5 million African migrants who comprise part of the Libyan population. These migrants, it must be recalled, contributed for decades to the economic development of Libya. We repeat our call for an end to reprisals, killings, arbitrary arrests and the detention of migrant workers and black Libyans, and further call for those involved in these activities to be held accountable for their actions. Thirdly, as we have noted that the situation in Libya has shown improvement, we must now question the need for the continued enforcement of the no-fly zone to protect civilians. We cannot understand the Council’s support for this enforcement, as we are all aware that the threats that warranted the no-fly zone no longer exist. Therefore, we look forward to the lifting of the no-fly zone as soon as possible.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Lebanon. Following its forced absence, and now that it has resumed its place in the Arab world, Libya is now resuming its natural place in the United Nations. We welcome Ambassador Dabbashi. The Security Council has shouldered its responsibilities vis-à-vis Libya and its responsibility to protect civilians by various means, including coercive measures. It has also called repeatedly for a ceasefire along with the launching of a political process. The Secretary-General has supported these efforts through the activities of his Special Representative, Mr. Al-Khatib, and his Special Adviser, Mr. Martin. However, the Al-Qadhafi regime, which had lost all legitimacy, did not respond to the calls of the Security Council. Today, Libya, through the sacrifices of its sons, has new facts on the ground. A new democratic State protecting the rights of all Libyans and their fundamental freedoms is being built. The Security Council has again responded to the needs of Libyans as put forward by their legitimate representatives, the National Transitional Council, by creating a support mission to help the Libyan people fulfil the priorities they set for themselves. In this context, we cannot fail to reaffirm the pivotal role of the United Nations in coordinating international and regional assistance to Libya. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of Libya.

Allow me at the outset to express to you, Mr. President, how delighted I am to see a dear brother, a representative of a brotherly State, presiding over the deliberations of the Security Council for this month. Allow me to thank you personally, Sir, all the members of the Lebanese delegation and the brotherly country of Lebanon for all they have given to the Libyan revolution and for having stood shoulder to shoulder with my people in their plight. Today is undoubtedly a decisive, historic day in the life of the Libyan people. It marks the fall of a dictatorship. An era of terror, denial of freedom and violations of human rights has now come to an end for the Libyan people. The fact that the National Transitional Council has today assumed Libya’s seat in the United Nations indicates that a new page has been turned in the history of the Libyan people — a page marked by the blood of Libya’s sons. The Libyan people have paid a high price. Many of our sons have died. However, the sacrifice was fully justified by the objective. Although we express our sadness at having lost more than 30,000 martyrs. while tens of thousands have been injured and hundreds maimed, we can now truly say that their blood did not flow in vain. The Libyan people today have the right to celebrate their victory against the tyrant Al-Qadhafi and his supporters on Libya’s sacred land. They can celebrate the fact that we now occupy Libya’s seat in the United Nations. We can celebrate that Libya’s original name, which was distorted by Al-Qadhafi for over four decades, has been restored. He distorted it as a name and he distorted it in fact. We look forward to ensuring the necessary arrangements with the concerned departments at the United Nations to raise the flag of independence — the flag of the Libyan people’s revolution — at the Headquarters of this Organization. On this occasion, let me pay tribute to all those — be they States, organizations or media outlets — that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Libyan people militarily, politically or morally. Above all, I wish to stress the important role played by the United Nations, as represented by the Security Council and the Secretary-General. For the very first time, we witnessed in Libya the operationalization of the responsibility to protect, which was carried out in a reasonable manner, saving the lives of thousands of Libyans and maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya. This would never have taken place had not all members of the Security Council fully understood the situation and agreed to adopt resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011). Resolution 2009 (2011), which the Council has just adopted, is still further proof of the ability of the members of the Council to work in unity to maintain peace and defend human rights despite disagreements. It also illustrates the ongoing support of the United Nations for the Libyan people in their current plight. The resolution is undoubtedly an important step towards stability, the normalization of the situation in Libya and the launching of reconstruction and development efforts. On behalf of the National Transitional Council, allow me to express our gratitude to every member of the Security Council for taking this important step. We look forward to the United Nations Mission in Libya beginning its work soon under Mr. Martin’s leadership, so as to provide support and assistance to the transitional Government on the basis of the principle of national ownership of the process of stabilization, reconstruction and economic recovery. The challenges facing the transitional Government are indeed great and multifaceted. We seek to build a new State. We look forward to building democratic institutions that respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide an opportunity for every Libyan to contribute in the service of their country to the limit of their abilities, without marginalization, exclusion or discrimination vis-à-vis any group for any reason whatever. We continue to require everyone’s assistance in reaching those goals. We hope that everyone will respect the choices made by the Libyan people and not interfere in their affairs during this delicate period. I am confident that everyone will do so. Let me emphasize that as the new authority in Libya we will abide by Libya’s previous commitments. We will promote current partnerships based on mutual respect and common interests. We will not forget our African brothers, who need us as much as we need them. We will look to the future. We will not allow any event to take us backwards. We will cooperate with all for international peace and security. We hope that all States will assist us in ensuring justice and prosecuting those responsible for crimes perpetrated under the Al-Qadhafi regime. The Libyan people are a peace-loving people. We are a tolerant people who merely want to exploit their wealth for progress and well-being. Libya will be a country of laws. The new authorities will allow no one to take the law into their own hands or to seek revenge. I have no doubt that the Libyan people are fully capable of achieving their aspirations, with the support of the international community. The Libyan delegation looks forward to cooperating with all delegations of the Organization, in the interests of us all.

The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council will remain seized of the matter.