S/PV.9661 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. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Political Affairs in 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 give the floor to Ms. Koury. Ms. Koury: Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Council today on the situation in Libya. Let me first wish the Libyan people and all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha a joyous occasion. May it bring respite for those suffering. It is the first Eid al-Adha since the Derna disaster, a tragic event that brings back memories of those who lost their lives in that terrible catastrophe. Yet, in the face of adversity, the Libyan people continue to demonstrate determination and unity. Since assuming the role of Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Political Affairs, I began consultations to hear the concerns and priorities of the Libyan people, including their views on an inclusive Libyan- led and Libyan-owned political process. To date, I have held meetings in the east and west of Libya. I met with political leaders and officials, academics, civil society organizations, women’s groups and military leaders. I also engaged with representatives of cultural components, businesspeople and members of the diplomatic community. Those consultations are ongoing, and while I plan to visit other areas of the country soon, I will now share with the Council some observations to date. Overwhelmingly, citizens conveyed the need for a political agreement so that credible national elections can be held to restore legitimacy to all institutions. I discussed the need for an inclusive Libyan-led process to overcome the political impasse and support the Libyan people in achieving their aspirations for peace, stability, prosperity and democracy. Libyans have also shared their ideas on what a future political process should look like, including the role of the five key Libyan institutional actors and of the two Chambers, the need for a broad-based type of dialogue, a combination of the above and other ideas. Many have signalled the importance of a pact or an agreement that would, among other things, affirm the parties’ respect for electoral outcomes. Similarly, some have emphasized the importance of including sufficient detail and mechanisms of enforcement in any future agreement to help to ensure that the parties will adhere to its terms. They also provided ideas on a road map on the substantive aspects, and that includes whether to focus on issues of an interim government formation and steps to advance the holding of elections. Other citizens and officials expressed the need to address underlying conflict drivers, focusing on issues relating to the economy, security structures and the governance structure in Libya. The need for more decentralization, inclusiveness, fairness and transparency in government was also widely expressed. Many Libyans continue to express deep concern about the de facto divisions of the country and parallel governing institutions. I share that concern. Those developments undermine economic security and stability, as well as Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid concerns about the impact of geopolitical tensions playing out on Libya. In addition to a national political solution, many Libyans have also begun to emphasize the need for local elections, an important step in ensuring accountable service delivery and in restoring legitimacy to an important segment of Libyan institutions. On 9 June, the High National Elections Commission opened voter registration for municipal elections in 60 municipalities across Libya. To date, more than 36,000 people have registered at in-person registration centres and through the electronic SMS system. That is an important step, although voter registration, in particular female voter registration, remains quite low. The High National Elections Commission, with the support of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), is undertaking efforts to encourage greater registration. Moreover, at the onset of Eid al-Adha, 10 out of 12 in-person registration centres in the eastern municipalities have been prevented from opening. I urge the authorities to allow those centres to open and enable Libyans to register and exercise their political rights. Conflict prevention and preserving stability remain at the forefront of most Libyans’ concerns. In April, there were brief though intense clashes in the densely populated Ain Zara district in Tripoli. Faced with the risk of further escalation in the capital, armed group leaders successfully engaged in dialogue to de-escalate the situation. In May, sporadic clashes between armed groups in Jumayl and Zawiyah, and the car-bombing in Tripoli last week, coupled with reports of a continued arms build-up in the country, are also a stark reminder of the fragility of Libya’s security landscape. Those dynamics underscore the importance of unified and reformed security sector institutions and the importance of local mediation efforts. While no violation of the ceasefire agreement was recorded during the reporting period, progress on the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries remains stalled. Among other factors, the security situation in several neighbouring countries has disrupted contact initiated by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission with the liaison committees established by those nations to deal with the issue. Greater efforts are also needed by Libyan authorities to address the presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Twelve children were injured in Awbari in southern Libya and Tripoli in April and May alone. For many Libyans, the economic situation is difficult, with families and small businesses facing high prices, less purchasing power or limited access to cash. Libyan wealth is not translating into an equitable distribution of resources, access to services and opportunities for all people, particularly youth and women. Unifying the national budget is an absolute necessity, and I urge all stakeholders to resolve remaining differences to ensure its swift adoption and agree on its transparent and accountable implementation. On human rights, I remain deeply concerned by the reports of violations throughout the country, particularly the repetitive pattern of abduction or arbitrary arrest and detention of Libyans. On 17 May, House of Representatives member Ibrahim al-Darsi disappeared in Benghazi. On 19 April, political activist Siraj Dughman died under unclear circumstances while in detention in Benghazi. House of Representative member Hassan Jaballah, among others, remains arbitrarily detained in Tripoli. The Mission continues to call for transparent and independent investigations into the disappearances and deaths of men and women in custody, and for those arbitrarily detained to be released. Migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers also continue to experience serious human rights violations. A comprehensive legal and policy framework is needed to address their situation and manage migration in line with international principles. In the light of the horrific war in the Sudan and its impact on Libya, on 28 May, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners launched, in coordination with Libyan authorities, the 2024 response plan for Sudanese refugees in Libya. The plan provides for $43.8 million to meet the needs of a projected population of 195,000 people, including Sudanese refugees and host communities. Those developments illustrate the fragility of the situation and the multiple needs and challenges the Libyan people face. UNSMIL and the United Nations family continue to support a multi-pronged approach to address those issues of concern, including advancing work on economic reform and security and human rights priorities, along with the political efforts. In an encouraging step, the co-Chairs of the Security Working Group are continuing discussions among themselves and with the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in preparation for the next Security Working Group meeting in Libya. The co-Chairs of the Economic Working Group are also discussing an agenda for resuming its work in support of Libyan efforts to address the economic priorities. The Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is also engaged in advocacy to support national efforts to address arbitrary detention and efforts towards rights- based national reconciliation. It is critical to advance national reconciliation and transitional justice, and I commend the work of the Presidential Council and the House of Representatives’ Justice and Reconciliation Committee for agreeing on one draft law that upholds victims’ rights and adheres to international standards. I call on all relevant bodies to engage in the same spirit so that that vital legislation can be adopted by consensus. The Mission, with the African Union, is ready to continue providing facilitation and technical advice. UNSMIL also continues to support Libyan efforts for greater empowerment of youth. Libyan youth have expressed their desire for an active role in developing solutions for their communities and in shaping their country’s future. In line with resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security, UNSMIL launched in May its new youth engagement strategy, which focuses on training, advocacy and networking, aiming to empower young people. In June, the first annual Ra’idat training programme, for 30 young women from across Libya, was successfully completed. That programme was conducted in cooperation with the United Nations family, the High National Elections Commission and the Ministry of Education. A second training cohort will be launched in September. In closing, there is consensus among Libyan people about the need to advance the political process. The status quo is not sustainable. While institutional and political divisions keep deepening, ordinary Libyans long for peace, stability, prosperity and reconciliation. Resolute and united action to advance a political process is needed by Libyans with the support of the international community.

I thank Ms. Koury for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I would like to start by thanking Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Koury for briefing the Council, welcoming her to her role and thanking her for her extensive engagement so far and the clarity and comprehensiveness of her initial analysis. I reaffirm the support of the United Kingdom for her work. I also would like to thank Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki for his valuable work chairing the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. I would like to make four points this morning. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the announcement by the Libyan High National Election Commission on 9 June that they have opened voter registration for municipal elections in 60 municipalities. We urge Libya’s leaders to provide the necessary support, including through cooperation with and funding to the Libyan High National Election Commission, to enable the successful delivery of those elections and allow Libyans to exercise their democratic rights. Secondly, the United Kingdom is concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in Kufra, which is receiving increasing numbers of refugees fleeing the brutal war in the Sudan. Reports of child malnutrition and a lack of medical facilities are of particular concern. We call on the Libyan authorities to prioritize those urgent humanitarian needs and facilitate access for United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations. Thirdly, the continued closure of civic space and human rights violations threaten Libya’s stability and its future as an inclusive democracy. As Deputy Special Representative Koury said, the status quo is not sustainable. Reports of enforced disappearances, torture and unlawful imprisonment are of utmost concern. We urge the Libyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and prevent violations from being carried out with impunity. Fourthly, we note that the Panel of Experts on Libya continues to describe the arms embargo on Libya as totally ineffective because Member States are providing military support to parties to the conflict, controlling supply chains and ignoring their obligations under Council resolutions. Those actions expose the vested interests of certain Member States and confirm to the international community, and to Libya, that they are not committed to Libyan sovereignty, prosperity or security. To conclude, the United Kingdom will continue to support UNSMIL and encourage Libya’s leaders to engage with UNSMIL in good faith and compromise. We look forward to the appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and we encourage all members of the Council to give the Secretary-General their full support in that regard to help facilitate progress under United Nations auspices. As I saw on my visit last year, Libya has vast potential, but its future prosperity depends on a political stability in a united country with transparent and accountable institutions. A political settlement can unlock that potential.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council plus (A3+), namely, Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my own country, Sierra Leone. The A3+ thanks Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Koury for her update on the situation in Libya. We recognize the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. The A3+ expresses sincere appreciation to the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, for his unwavering commitment to fostering peace, stability and unity in Libya. His tireless efforts have instilled hope in the Libyan people in their pursuit of a peaceful transition. Mr. Bathily’s adept leadership and diplomatic skills have contributed significantly to advancing the political process, despite the numerous challenges. As we reaffirm our steadfast support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) mandate and its leadership, we note that the resignation of Mr. Bathily as Special Representative of the Secretary-General occurs at a critical juncture, as Libya continues to navigate a complex political landscape and confronts ongoing challenges to peace, stability and prosperity. In that regard, it is crucial that the Secretary-General appoint a successor promptly. In today’s meeting, the A3+ wishes to focus on the following points. Regarding the political situation, we note with grave concern that the continued political stalemate, the deepening political divide and the lack of progress towards fostering common ground to agree on electoral laws continue to undermine the political momentum towards national elections in Libya. We hope that Libyans will not be made to wait a day longer to realize their aspirations for a stable, prosperous, peaceful, secure and democratic Libya. The A3+ believes that ending Libya’s political stalemate and holding elections to unify Libya is a race against time. In that context, the A3+ reiterates its call on all stakeholders to support and fully engage in UNSMIL’s mediation efforts. We would like to highlight the importance of the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and youth in all political processes in Libya, as well as in social, cultural and economic development. We also call on the political actors to move from their entrenched institutional and political positions, resolve their differences, build consensus and facilitate the holding of national elections that will propel Libya towards a peaceful and prosperous future. The Security Council must remain committed to an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations, building on the relevant Security Council resolutions and agreements towards the holding of national elections in Libya. Regarding the security situation, the A3+ is concerned about the ongoing security challenges in Libya, where intermittent clashes and tensions persist between armed groups despite the 2020 ceasefire agreement generally holding. However, the A3+ believes that as long as the political trajectory in Libya remains frozen, the country will continue to be a security risk. The absence of a cohesive governing body and unified security forces will continue to provide an opportunity for armed and criminal groups to regain their presence in the country. We also believe that in the absence of a united stance from the Security Council for a strong position on Libya, external influences will continue to act unilaterally in Libya. The complexity of Libya’s political landscape is further compounded by the diverse influences exerted by a myriad of regional and external actors, each shaping the political climate to suit their respective interests. Now is the time for the Council to forge a collaborative effort to avert the situation whereby Libya will be at great risk of turning into safe haven for different non-State armed groups affiliated with terrorist groups operating in the neighbouring Sahel region. Recognizing the harmful influence of external actors, the A3+ emphasizes the imperative need for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya. That withdrawal is essential for creating an environment conducive to fostering the political process, ensuring security and stability and preserving Libya’s unity, independence and territorial integrity. We take note of the meeting of the Libyan security institutions and actors that was held in Tunis on 30 and 31 May to discuss a common code of conduct. That discussion is essential to establish a unified and coordinated approach to security, which will help to address the country’s complex security challenges, end violence and ensure the protection of civilians. We therefore encourage and support such efforts, which are aimed at reunifying Libyan institutions. While we are heartened that the 2020 ceasefire agreement still holds, the impact of the conflict in the Sudan on achieving lasting peace and security in the region is apparent and of grave concern to the A3+. It demonstrates that these conflicts are intertwined, as Libya has seen an uptick in the use of the Kufra region by Sudanese fighters as a base to carry out incursions into the Sudan. At the same time, Libya is considered a hub for obtaining vehicles and weapons. In that context, the A3+ raises today, with grave concern, the ongoing violations of and lack of compliance with the arms embargo in Libya, which paints a disturbing picture, revealing the arms embargo to be totally ineffective. The arms embargo is a crucial part of the international community’s strategy to protect civilians and create an environment conducive to a political solution in Libya. The A3+ urges all Member States to fully respect and enforce the arms embargo through robust implementation and accountability for violations. Increasing transparency will only enhance the legitimacy and effective implementation of the Libyan arms embargo. Libya’s reconciliation process is a vital step towards mending the divisions within Libyan society and fostering a sense of national unity. We therefore urge all Libyans to embrace the process with sincerity of purpose and commitment, striving for forgiveness, understanding and mutual respect. In that regard, the A3+ recognizes the efforts of UNSMIL and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in facilitating a collaborative process last May, bringing together legislators, legal experts and civil society actors to draft reconciliation legislation. That crucial initiative is essential to promote accountability, justice and national reconciliation in Libya. We also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all parties involved in that important endeavour. The A3+ eagerly awaits the rescheduling of the national reconciliation conference, a crucial step towards unity, stability and prosperity in Libya that has been postponed indefinitely owing to divisions among the Libyan leaders. We remain hopeful that the conference will take place soon, bringing together Libyan stakeholders to foster dialogue, understanding and a shared vision for the future. In that regard, while welcoming the role that the African Union (AU) has been playing through its High-Level Committee on Libya, the A3+ requests that the AU continue its efforts towards the holding of the conference. On the humanitarian front, the A3+ reiterates the need to ease access of humanitarian aid for the benefit of the population and calls on all Libyan leaders to fulfil their responsibility and to coordinate efforts. Almost a year after the devastation brought on by the Derna floods, the A3+ remains committed to supporting the establishment of a coordinated mechanism to address the humanitarian needs of the people of Derna and the surrounding areas in eastern Libya. The reconstruction of the region’s health, education and other critical infrastructure is also vital. We therefore commend those Member States that contributed humanitarian aid and redouble our calls on the relevant actors to ensure that additional assistance is delivered in an unimpeded manner. The devastating floods triggered by Storm Daniel highlight the urgent need for streamlined humanitarian exemptions in order to deliver aid swiftly to crisis-stricken populations. The A3+ calls for revising relevant resolutions to permit the use of military transportation assets for emergency relief operations, ensuring that that aligns with the core objectives of the arms embargo. That would empower the international community to respond more rapidly and effectively in order to alleviate suffering when natural disasters strike. By ensuring flexibility while maintaining rigorous oversight, countless lives could be saved through the timely provision of critical aid to those in desperate need. We also reiterate our deep concern about the continued dire situation of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Libya, who continue to be exposed to serious protection risks. We therefore urge the Libyan authorities, with the support of the international community, to work effectively to improve the plight of migrants and refugees in Libya, consider alternatives to detention and hold migrant smugglers and other perpetrators accountable. We continue to reiterate our call for improved protection and humanitarian assistance for migrants in Libya and for efforts to address the root causes of migration. While reaffirming our unwavering solidarity with the resilient people of Libya during these challenging times, we, the A3+, reiterate our call for genuine political will to guide Libya towards a brighter future. Before concluding our statement today, the A3+ wishes to express grave concerns regarding the obstacles that elected members of the Security Council are facing in accessing Council documentation predating the commencement of their mandate in the Council. The requests made to obtain documents that are crucial for informed decision-making have been met with objections and obstacles, without any legally conclusive reasoning or explanation. The A3+ urges Council members to seriously consider that issue in order to ensure that all members have full, unconditional and timely access to the Security Council’s documentation and reports without any exceptions or delays. Otherwise, the Security Council’s transparency and credibility will be dramatically questioned. Unimpeded access to all communications is essential for Council members to fulfil their mandate effectively and make well-informed decisions that uphold international peace and security.

I thank the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Koury, for her statement, and I welcome the presence of the representative of Libya this morning. First of all, I welcome the consultations that Ms. Stephanie Koury was able to hold with all Libyan stakeholders. France reiterates its full support for United Nations mediation, which is essential to support the political process in Libya. We hope that a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General will soon be appointed. The current transition period should also provide an opportunity for in-depth reflection on the strategic objectives of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) so that it can best fulfil its role of facilitating inter-Libyan dialogue and support the security process leading to the reunification of Libya’s armed forces. France supports the efforts of Libyan stakeholders to relaunch the political process around the cardinal principles of Libyan unity and sovereignty. Our collective aim must be the organization of free, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections for all Libyans. The formation of a new unified Government is imperative in order to break the current deadlock and lead the country to the elections demanded by the Libyan people. The resolution of the crisis in Libya hinges on the Libyans themselves taking full ownership of the political process, and we encourage them all to commit to doing so in good faith. In that connection, France welcomes the announcement by the High National Elections Commission that municipal elections will be organized in 2024, which will be a milestone for Libyans. We call on the Libyan authorities to allow the High National Elections Commission to make all the necessary preparations for those elections, including by allocating the necessary budget and by ensuring that security conditions are met for the smooth conduct of the elections. We are deeply concerned by the security situation in Libya: borders are porous, foreign interference is increasing, militias are expanding their foothold and their trafficking is proliferating. That situation undermines Libya’s stability and that of the region as a whole. The withdrawal of all foreign combatants, foreign forces and mercenaries is imperative if Libya is to regain its sovereignty and stability. France continues to encourage the efforts of Libyan actors to reunify the Libyan armed forces, under the auspices of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and the two Chiefs of Staff. We continue working within the Security Working Group of the Berlin process to support the process, in coordination with UNSMIL. Finally, human rights violations in Libya are a matter of grave concern. France is concerned by reports of arrests, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances. The situation of migrants and asylum seekers in particular is alarming. France welcomes the willingness of the Libyan authorities to work towards the regularization of migrant workers and encourages the authorities to cooperate with the United Nations and all international partner organizations, including by facilitating access to detention centres.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Koury for her update. Recognizing the urgent need to keep the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process moving forward, Japan is looking forward to working with fellow Council members to support her in her role in leading the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) as the Officer-in-Charge. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya, Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, to this meeting. I would also like to express Japan’s gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abdoulaye Bathily, following the announcement of his resignation, for his efforts to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people. As I stressed in this Chamber in April (see S/PV.9605), the lack of progress in the political process is negatively affecting Libya’s economic, social and security situation, as well as regional stability. Japan again urges all concerned stakeholders to place the desires of the Libyan people above their own interests. We continue to call on the key players to engage in dialogue and make compromises under United Nations auspices. That will pave the way to holding the long- overdue national elections, which is the only way to restore the legitimacy of State institutions. In that regard, Japan welcomes the announcement by the High National Elections Commission of the opening of the voter registration process for the upcoming municipal council elections in 60 municipalities, while calling for swiftly initiating the election processes in the other 46 municipalities, in which the terms of municipal councils have expired or are expiring this year. Japan calls on all relevant institutions to cooperate in order to ensure the success of those elections. The fair and transparent distribution of national revenue is imperative if Libyan leaders truly place the people’s interest first. In that vein, Japan has welcomed the unification of the Central Bank of Libya and the establishment of the high financial committee, and it continues to pay close attention to their performance. In addition, as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, Japan remains committed to constructively leading discussions on sanctions measures, including assets freezes. Safety for civil society, including women and youth, is necessary for a free and inclusive political process. Japan is concerned about reports of systematic violations of international human rights law and excessive restrictions on civil society, journalists and human rights defenders. Japan is also alarmed about the humanitarian situation that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers continue to face. Turning to security, Japan notes some progress, including the discussions held by Libyan security and military officials in Tunis last month to reflect on a draft common code of conduct. It is encouraging that efforts to coordinate and unify the security and military institutions continue despite worryingly heightened tensions among the armed groups in Tripoli and other cities. The efforts to achieve the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries must continue as well. In conclusion, I reiterate Japan’s commitment to the Libyan people’s aspirations and to regional peace and prosperity through our full support to UNSMIL.

I would like to thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Koury, and I welcome the representative of Libya to this meeting. I will focus on four points. First, the opening of the voter registration process for the municipal elections is a significant step forward. Electing representatives at the local level will have a positive impact and promote Libya’s development and stability. The process must therefore be safe and proceed without delay. The Libyan authorities have a responsibility to encourage citizens, including women and young people, to register to exercise their right to vote. It will be very important to ensure cooperation in strengthening the technical capacities and infrastructure that Libyan institutions require to carry out the process successfully. Secondly, discussions on adopting a common code of conduct between military and security institutions and actors should continue, because it could contribute to greater security and respect for human rights. I would also like to stress the importance of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and its efforts to strengthen security in Libya through continued dialogue. Thirdly, a comprehensive process of national reconciliation, addressing the causes of division and incorporating demands for truth and justice, is key to achieving lasting peace in Libya. We therefore need to ensure the success of the initiative to draft a reconciliation bill, which was discussed at a workshop hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and attended by legislators, legal experts and civil society actors. Fourthly, the recent recovery of 11 bodies and the rescue of dozens of people off the coast of Libya is further evidence of the serious situation that migrants are facing. Ecuador reiterates its call on the Libyan authorities, in cooperation with the international community and partners in the region, to protect the rights of migrants and dismantle the trafficking networks operating in their country. My delegation acknowledges the active efforts of Deputy Special Representative Koury to maintain and expand dialogue with all Libyan parties. Finally, we trust in the Secretary-General’s judgment, taking into consideration the lessons learned and the profile required, to renew UNSMIL’s leadership in order to help relaunch the political process.

We thank Ms. Stephanie Koury, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), for her briefing. We thank Ambassador Yamazaki, Permanent Representative of Japan, for his stewardship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. We emphasize that Libya needs unifying processes, which should be facilitated through the consolidated positions of the international community, with the United Nations playing the central role. Unfortunately, there has been no progress in that direction so far, among other things because of the divergent interests of external players, the ineffectiveness of the international mediation efforts and the desire of a number of local figures to maintain the current situation of partially failed statehood. What will provide a solution is the convening of national elections. It will be crucial to continue the work of resolving the contentious issues in the electoral legislation that Libyan parliamentarians agreed on last year. We hope that the parties will be able to reach mutually acceptable agreements in that regard as soon as possible. We also believe that the vote in Libya should not be burdened by additional conditions and should not exclude political figures who enjoy considerable support among the people, including representatives of the former Government. Otherwise, anyone who is barred from the elections will have a reason to challenge the results of the vote and use other means to assert their rights. We believe that the best solution would be to hold the parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously. We firmly believe that the success of the national reconciliation process, which must be inclusive and transparent, also depends on similar principles. We welcome the efforts of the African Union to organize a conference on that. The Council should not relax its attention to the issue of the unification of the Libyan armed forces, security agencies and key State institutions. We are very concerned about the fact that armed groups in western Libya are strengthening and are functioning in parallel to State-run mechanisms, as well as becoming integrated into the shadow economy. That absolutely does not represent the path to restoring unified security structures in Libya. In the circumstances there is no guarantee that radical terrorist groups in the Sahara- Sahel region will not re-emerge from their remaining sleeper cells, and it is therefore vital that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission continue to work to maintain the ceasefire and strengthen security. Apart from that, we note with concern the recent reports of non-transparent plans by extraregional players, with the help of private military companies, to establish, train and equip Libyan border-guard units that would bring together fighters from the west and east of Libya. We are worried that rather than prioritizing the restoration of integrity and enhancing the Libyan army’s professional level, those efforts may be in support of someone’s vested national interests. We believe that the supply of weapons and mercenaries destabilizing the situation in the country must stop. It has been going on in Libya since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, when NATO’s illegal aggression destroyed Libya’s statehood. With regard to the elimination of the foreign military presence on Libyan territory, we support the synchronized, balanced and phased withdrawal of all non-Libyan armed groups and military units without exception. We are concerned about the continued manipulative efforts of foreign financial bodies threatening the safety of frozen Libyan assets. The 1970 Committee is not doing enough to respond to Libyans’ complaints in that regard. We do welcome the Committee’s decision to lift the ban on foreign travel for a number of members of Muammar Al-Qadhafi’s family. We believe that the Libyan portion of the United Nations sanctions list should be further reduced, since parts of it are no longer relevant in terms of posing a threat to peace and security. We emphasize that there is no alternative to a Libyan settlement under the auspices of the United Nations, with due account paid to the realities in the country. Under that scenario, UNSMIL has been assigned the role of one of the key mediators. However, since Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily’s resignation, the post of Head of the Mission has gone unfilled. It is essential to ensure that the United Nations envoy in Libya has a mandate from the Security Council, and we therefore look forward to receiving proposals from the Secretariat regarding possible candidates. We hope that all country and regional considerations will be taken into account. It is also important to obtain the approval of the Libyans themselves, regional stakeholders and members of the Security Council.

I want to thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Koury for her presentation and to welcome the participation of the representative of Libya. Switzerland supports the United Nations in its commitment to helping the Libyan people begin a process aimed at breaking the political stalemate and achieving lasting peace and stability. We look forward to the appointment of a new Special Representative as soon as possible to ensure the continuity of those efforts. Meanwhile, we want to assure Ms. Koury of our full support in her ad interim role in the good offices of the United Nations. I would like to focus on three points. First, the recent announcement of municipal elections in 60 communes is encouraging. The election of municipal representatives is an important first step in restoring citizens’ confidence in their authorities and in their country’s stability. The holding of municipal elections also presents some challenges. We join the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in calling on the authorities and institutions concerned to facilitate the process of organizing those elections. Success in holding elections at the local level could pave the way for national elections. Besides that, the organization of national elections must go hand in hand with political compromise and requires coherent support on the part of the international community. Lastly, the political process must be coordinated with a genuine, inclusive and rights-based national reconciliation process. Secondly, we call on all the relevant actors to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, especially the protection of civilians. We remain concerned about the intermittent clashes in the country such as those in Zawiya and Sebha in May, which resulted in the death and injury of several people, including civilians. Lastly, we are concerned about enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests and detentions. According to reports that the Security Council has received, those practices, which are contrary to both Libyan and international law, are happening all over Libya. Arbitrary detentions have been normalized in a climate of impunity in the past few years. They effectively muzzle political opponents or those perceived as such and spread a climate of fear that is not conducive to the exercise of political rights. They are also used against representatives of certain social, political or religious minorities. Such practices aggravate tensions between communities and represent a significant obstacle to long-term reconciliation efforts. People who have been arbitrarily detained should be released unconditionally, and witnesses and victims must be protected. It is essential for the future of Libyans that the country be politically stable and unified, with transparent and accountable institutions. To achieve that, the international community must take a coherent approach. Switzerland will continue to work with its partners in Libya and the United Nations to achieve that.

I thank Ms. Koury for her briefing. I also want to thank Ambassador Yamazaki for his leadership of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Former Special Representative Bathily’s resignation is a reminder of the challenges to reaching a political compromise that supports the aspirations of the Libyan people. We are grateful that Ms. Koury and other members of the interim leadership have stepped in while the United Nations considers potential replacements. The United States commends the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s efforts to engage Libyans broadly. We continue to firmly support the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to bring Libya closer to unlocking a viable process towards long-overdue elections. The United Nations plays an important role in advancing a stable, secure and sovereign future for Libya, and the United States supports the appointment of a successor to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as soon as possible. A unified international voice in support of the security, economic, political and humanitarian tracks will be crucial to making concrete progress and building opportunities for the Libyan people. To that end, we were pleased that the United Nations Libya vessel-inspection authority was renewed in May for an additional 12 months through the adoption of resolution 2733 (2024). The authority serves as a deterrent to would-be sanctions violators and facilitates important information-sharing about trafficking off the coast of Libya. The resolution is critically important, given the increase in violations of the arms embargo, which has necessitated a greater number of interdictions. We encourage the continued reporting by the 1970 Committee’s Panel of Experts on the implementation of United Nations sanctions. The Panel provides invaluable insights into destabilizing activities impeding progress in Libya, including through its reporting on violations of the arms embargo and oil smuggling and the activities of sanctioned individuals that obstruct and undermine the political transition in Libya. We welcome the Panel of Experts’ identification of individuals and entities involved in violations of the embargo and of other United Nations-mandated sanctions. We note with particular concern the recent reports of Russian Federation naval vessels unloading military hardware in Libya. We are committed to using sanctions to deter threats to peace and stability in Libya. We commend the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and urge both western and eastern Libyan actors to increase coordination efforts that could help secure Libya’s borders and reduce criminality in the south. Progress towards greater military integration remains key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional turmoil. On the economic front, destabilizing inflows of counterfeit currency are devaluing the Libyan dinar and generating chaos in the Libyan financial markets. That increased economic instability is continuing to fuel the country’s deepening political divisions. The United States recently sanctioned the Russian State-owned enterprise Goznak for producing counterfeit currency globally and printing more than $1 billion worth of counterfeit Libyan currency, exacerbating Libya’s economic challenges. We continue to support efforts to produce a unified budget so that Libya can develop a coherent fiscal policy. We also urge Libya’s leaders to commit to implementing a transparent, accountable, equitable system for the management and distribution of oil revenues. We support United Nations efforts to strengthen the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations and abuses. The attacks on civil society and human rights defenders hamper their ability to participate politically and undermine the prospects for long-term peace. Finally, we continue to receive concerning reports about the uptick in new arrivals of Sudanese refugees and displaced persons in Libya and the difficult conditions they face. We support our United Nations and other humanitarian partners as they work to address that growing population’s needs. The United States is committed to United Nations efforts to reaffirm and protect Libyan sovereignty, enforce the arms embargo, provide essential services to the Libyan people and support a clear path to free and fair elections that can produce a unified Government.

I also thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Koury for her briefing and welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today’s meeting. More than three years have passed since Libyan leaders agreed to hold parliamentary and presidential elections in December 2021. Regrettably, we remain far removed from that, and Libya’s unsustainable political paralysis persists. We continue to support all efforts that seek to advance a Libyan-led and -owned political process under United Nations auspices. We welcome the proactive engagement of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) with the main Libyan and regional stakeholders. On that note, we reiterate our full support to UNSMIL, its mandate and activities and its acting leadership. The international community must continue supporting that process and also ensure that regional initiatives do not undermine the efforts of the United Nations. We look forward to addressing the current leadership gap within UNSMIL, as we fear that a prolonged hiatus will only solidify the status quo. In that context, we welcome the commencement of the voter registration process for the upcoming municipal council elections. It is fundamental that the Libyan authorities support the High National Elections Commission and provide it with the funding and resources it needs to hold those elections successfully. We are hopeful that the people of Libya who exercise their right to elect leaders of their municipalities will be similarly empowered to do so at the national level. Malta stresses that any political process must ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women as voters, candidates and observers, include the views of all Libyan stakeholders and facilitate the active, meaningful and inclusive participation of young people and civil society. We also stress the importance of providing a safe environment for civil society organizations to work freely and of protecting them from threats and reprisals. On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we urge the adoption of legislation specifically addressing the problem of violence against women and girls. The structural threats to Libya’s security continue. They include the volatile political situation, the continued presence of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries, whose full withdrawal should be prioritized, and the proliferation of weapons under the control of various State and non-State actors. We need to give our full support to every measure seeking to stabilize the security situation, including by implementing the Libyan arms embargo. That includes the ongoing work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. To that end, we welcomed the Council’s adoption of resolution 2733 (2024), renewing the relevant authorizations and measures for implementing the Libyan arms embargo for another year. Full compliance with the arms embargo and with the broader framework of sanctions under resolution 1970 (2011) is essential. We believe that the assets freeze exists for the benefit of Libya and its people and that Libyan funds held abroad must continue to be identified and fully safeguarded for eventual repatriation. In conclusion, I want to reiterate the right of the Libyan people to choose their own leadership through elections and see their democratic aspirations realized. The ultimate responsibility for realizing that lies with the key Libyan stakeholders. It is they who must act in the national interest and work for progress.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Stephanie Koury for her informative briefing today. We fully support her ongoing efforts in this interim period and welcome her engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including actors in both eastern and western Libya, civil society, tribal leaders and the diplomatic community. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the work of former Special Representative Bathily. We look forward to the appointment by the Secretary-General of a successor to the Special Representative in due course. And I welcome the Libyan Ambassador to the Chamber for today’s meeting. It appears that Libya remains stuck in a regrettable stalemate. The lack of progress on the political track is affecting every other sector of Libyan society, which means the security, economic, humanitarian and human rights fronts. That affects the ability to manage crises as they arise, including disaster-risk preparedness and response to extreme weather events. We reiterate that it is the shared responsibility of all actors to show the political will needed to put the Libyan people first, engage in good faith and without preconditions with United Nations efforts and move swiftly towards a democratic process, restoring Libya’s unity. That must not be postponed indefinitely. The way forward can only be via a political path, and the mediation role of the United Nations is critical. In that regard, we welcome the progress made towards holding elections in Libya at the local level. The opening of the voter registration process in 60 municipalities is an important step, and we commend the work of the High National Elections Commission. We call on the Libyan authorities to do everything in their power to facilitate the work of the Commission, and we hope to see presidential and parliamentary elections follow in the near future. It is clear that the absence of any political progress only empowers armed actors in Libya. It is regrettable that the influence of armed groups in the country is growing, and the Libyan people deserve better. We call for the full implementation of the October 2020 ceasefire agreement and for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, mercenaries and foreign forces from Libyan territory. This comes at an increasingly sensitive and fragile moment both for the wider region and at Libya’s borders. We welcome the discussion held in Tunis under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to establish a code of conduct among Libya’s security and military providers, including its focus on international humanitarian law and respect for human rights. We also welcome the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s engagement on the margins of this meeting with the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. The work of the Commission continues to be invaluable as we strive for the unification of Libya’s State institutions. Finally, we note with concern that the arms embargo in Libya remains ineffective, and we stress the important role played by the sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) on Libya. We call on States to respect the embargo, which we believe is crucial to maintaining peace and security in Libya. We welcomed last month’s adoption of resolution 2733 (2024), reauthorizing measures to support the implementation of the arms embargo. The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI represents a concrete contribution to those collective efforts.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General Stephanie Koury for her briefing and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting. I would like to make the following points. First, dialogue and consultation represent the only way out of the political impasse in Libya. Libya’s House of Representatives and High Council of State have recently improved their communication in discussing the formation of a unified Government, the holding of elections and other key issues. China notes that the relevant parties in Libya will hold a second round of political consultations in Cairo. We hope that all parties will stay committed to the general direction of a political settlement, maintain the momentum of dialogue, resolve the remaining differences through consultation and continue to advance the political process. Secondly, the United Nations is a major channel for mediation on the Libyan issue. The international community and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya should continue to provide constructive support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. The Bahrain Declaration adopted at the thirty-third Summit of the League of Arab States reaffirms the League’s opposition to interference in Libya’s internal affairs and calls for external forces and mercenaries to withdraw as soon as possible. China calls on the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya in earnest, fully address the concerns of all the parties in Libya and avoid imposing external solutions. Thirdly, national reconciliation is an important step towards rebuilding trust and silencing the guns. China commends the efforts of the Republic of the Congo to facilitate strengthened communication between the High-Level Committee on Libya of the African Union (AU) and all the relevant parties in Libya, and to promote the convening of a national reconciliation conference in the country as soon as possible. China supports efforts to solve African issues in the African way. We believe that Libya can benefit from the AU’s experience with reconciliation, and we call on the international community to provide the necessary support to that end. Fourthly, the Libyan people all want to see security and stability maintained. The recent clashes in Zawiya and other places have resulted in dozens of casualties, a stark reminder of the fragility of the security landscape. China calls on all the parties in Libya to act in the interests of the country and its people, be rational, exercise restraint and avoid all forms of violence. The 5+5 Joint Military Commission should promote the continued implementation of the ceasefire agreement by all parties and the establishment of a unified military and police force. Fifthly, developing the economy and improving livelihoods are essential elements in the path to achieving lasting peace and stability. Earlier this month we once again witnessed the deaths of migrants along the Libyan coast, which is heartbreaking. We call on the relevant European countries to work to protect the right to life and human rights of migrants and refugees effectively and provide support to managing the issues of Libyan migrants and refugees and economic development in Libya. China commends the holding of the meeting held in April between Libya, Tunisia and Algeria to strengthen regional cooperation in managing borders, combating illegal migration and establishing a free trade zone. We welcome Libya’s efforts to increase oil production in order to strongly support the provision of public services and improve livelihoods. The Libyan authorities have repeatedly expressed concerns about their frozen assets abroad. The Council should treat that issue with the importance it deserves and proactively address Libya’s legitimate concerns.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Republic of Korea. I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Koury for her briefing and Ambassador Yamazaki for his valuable work as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. I also welcome the participation of the Libyan delegation in today’s meeting. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed extensive engagement between foreign Governments and the Libyan authorities discussing issues such as security, the economy and reconstruction cooperation. We welcome international cooperation with the Libyan authorities aimed at tackling the ever-growing challenges at this moment. At the same time, my delegation stresses that international and regional engagement should be pursued with a view to promoting Libyan unity and ultimately the formation of a unified Government that can represent the entirety of the Libyan people through free and fair elections. Against that backdrop, my delegation would like to underline three points. First, the role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) as a mediator and facilitator for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process should continue without a hiatus. The current precarious situation in Libya does not permit time-wasting, particularly where reaching a consensus on electoral laws and the holding of the long-awaited national elections is concerned. In that regard, my delegation welcomes Deputy Special Representative Koury’s active engagement over the past few weeks with leaders and representatives of security and military institutions and civil society in Libya. We expect the Secretary- General to appoint his new Special Representative for Libya as quickly as possible. On a similar note, I also welcome the High National Elections Commission’s announcement last week of the opening of voter registration for the 60 municipal-council elections and commend UNSMIL’s continued support to that end. I urge all Libyan authorities to fully support the Elections Commission in delivering its plan to hold local elections in 97 municipalities this year. Secondly, the parties concerned should refrain from providing arms to various actors in Libya, which threatens to inflame the instability both there and in Libya’s neighbours, as we have seen in the recent violent clashes between armed groups in Zawiya. We note with great concern the assessment of the Panel of Experts of the 1970 Committee that the influence of armed groups in Libya has continued to grow. Considering that precarious security environment, created by various armed groups, including terrorists, my delegation stresses the importance of implementing the arms embargo. We welcomed the Council’s adoption last month of resolution 2733 (2024), authorizing the maritime inspection of vessels suspected of violating the arms embargo in that regard. Thirdly, sustained attention to human rights and the humanitarian situation in Libya is vital, particularly in fostering the conditions for a successful political transition. We are deeply concerned about the recent rise in forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions in Libya, as exemplified in the disappearance of a member of the House of Representatives and a political activist’s death during detention. We urge the Libyan authorities to investigate those cases and hold those who are responsible accountable. We are also concerned about the dire humanitarian situation of refugees and migrants in Libya, particularly as we are now witnessing increasing numbers of Sudanese refugees  — some 40,000 new arrivals since the outbreak of the conflict in the Sudan, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In that regard, we welcome the international conference on combating illegal immigration and on border security to be held in Tripoli next month to address the dire situation of immigrants in Libya. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea once again urges Libyan leaders to break the protracted political deadlock and work earnestly to form a unified Government that can respond effectively to the ever- deepening socioeconomic challenges facing the Libyan people. For its part, the Republic of Korea will continue to work with the Libyan authorities to strengthen cooperation on Libya’s reconstruction, as was discussed in the recent high-level meeting between our senior officials at the Korean-African summit held in Seoul this month. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I would like to respond to the representative of the United States, who once again tried to speculate about Russia’s alleged violations of the sanctions regime against Libya. Let me remind the Council that in their traditionally friendly cooperation, Libya and Russia have always abided by all the relevant international obligations and have never violated the provisions of particular Security Council resolutions. Those who bet on internal Libyan divisions setting us and our partners against one another will lose. As for the negative impact on the situation in Libya, no one can match the havoc that the United States and some European countries wrought in 2011 in both the country and the region.

The representative of the United States has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I will be very brief in responding to the Russian representative. We basically know what they are doing — they are violating sanctions, and we will continue to call that out, as need be.

I now give the floor to the representative of Libya.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your country’s stewardship of the Security Council this month. I would also like to thank Ms. Stephanie Koury for her briefing and her recent efforts. Almost three years have passed since approximately 3 million Libyans registered on the electoral rolls, hoping to end the ongoing crisis, restore the legitimacy of their institutions and unify the country through free and fair elections. They are still waiting for those elections to be held and wondering how long they will have to wait. What are the real reasons behind the delay in achieving that national entitlement? Who has been obstructing the process so far? To date, no individuals, groups or even States have been cited as obstacles. The Libyan people deserve answers to those questions. As we have noted in the past, the Libyan people follow Council meetings keenly but feel that the statements made in them are simply repetitious. They can guess the results in advance. While we listened to Ms. Koury’s briefing today, nothing new, no tangible progress has emerged in the political process. There has been a long-standing stalemate, particularly since the post of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General has been vacant and even before that. When the new envoy is appointed, he will become the tenth in 13 years. That is a record that must be considered, and the reasons behind it questioned. What will he or she have to offer compared to the predecessors? Does the problem lie with the envoys, the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the system, the extent of the external interventions in the envoy’s work or the interference in my country? Perhaps it is time to support purely national initiatives and leave the solution in the hands of the Libyans. Those questions are on many people’s minds, and we are bound to convey them to the Security Council. In any case, regardless of those questions, we stress the importance of taking the following points into account in any future political process. First, it is important to continue the political process from the point at which it ended, especially when appointing a new envoy. The focus has to be kept on contentious issues and on building on what has been agreed on so far, without wasting time on discussions, dialogues and initiatives that have been tried previously and have been shown to be failures, at least if Council members want to learn from past mistakes. Secondly, we need to launch a genuine and effective dialogue between the Libyan parties to discuss the points of disagreement and find consensus, with a view to preparing a clearly defined road map leading to the holding of general elections with fair rules that can be applied according to specific timelines. If we are to bring an end all the fragile transitional phases the elections must be fair and transparent, under United Nations and international supervision, with results that are acceptable to everyone. Thirdly, national efforts must be supported to continue on the security track, working to unify all security and military forces in the country, by supporting the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and continuing the efforts to put all the points in the ceasefire agreement into effect, the most important of which is ending every form of foreign presence on Libyan territory. Fourthly, due attention must be paid to the path of national reconciliation. It is the only way to bridge the gap, rebuild national cohesion, repair Libya’s social fabric and prepare a national charter that will be the basis for building trust among Libyans. Without that it will not be possible to reach genuine consensus, but national reconciliation can be the base on which to support all other faltering tracks. As for the economic situation, the problem of immigration and the fight against terrorism, they are important issues, but they cannot be addressed or resolved unless a radical solution to the political problem is found and the country is unified. Those are some of the important points that should serve as a reference for the upcoming period, so that there is some hope of emerging from the current crisis and not entering the same vicious cycle. We hope that future briefings will be more positive in proposing practical solutions. We also hope to see an end to the series of external interventions of past years, as they have continued to directly erode the will of the Libyan people and deprive them of the leadership and genuine ownership of a solution. Before I conclude, I would like to add some points in English so that they are conveyed directly. (spoke in English) I want to draw the Council’s attention to the suffering of Libyans. We are tired and fed up with the stalemate and the vicious cycle that we have been going through for a decade now. We are tired and fed up with being lectured on what to do and what not to do. We are tired and fed up with the Council’s inability to implement its resolutions or hold any of the spoilers accountable, whether they are individuals, groups or countries. We are tired and fed up with Libya being used as a proxy for certain countries and regional Powers in selfish, greedy battles, some of which have colonial ambitions. We are tired of all of that. I believe it is time to leave Libya alone and liberate it from the Council. Let us decide on our future. Let us take our path and pave the way towards the future we want as Libyans. Since all the previous attempts have failed, it is time to leave the Libyans alone and let them lead the process and take their destiny into their own hands.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.