S/PV.9743 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 the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Libya and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya; and Ms. Hala Bugaighis, member of the Libyan Women and Peace and Security Advisory Group. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Council will hear briefings by Ms. Koury, Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Permanent Representative of Japan, in his capacity as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, and Ms. Bugaighis. I now give the floor to Ms. Koury. Ms. Koury: Members may recall that in my previous briefing to the Security Council on 20 August (see S/PV.9709), I focused extensively on unilateral measures by the various Libyan sides and the instability they had caused. Over the past two months, we have continued to witness the negative effects of those unilateral decisions, but we have also experienced a positive development that restores some hope that Libyan leaders will take the necessary steps to take their country forward. On 18 August, the Presidential Council issued two decrees replacing the Governor of the Central Bank and appointing a Board of Directors. The House of Representatives and the High Council of State rejected those decisions, stressing the prerogatives of the two Chambers under the Libyan Political Agreement. On 26 August, the House of Representatives-appointed Government and the Speaker of the House of representative, Mr. Agila Saleh, separately declared the suspension of oil production and exports. The crisis around the Central Bank initially raised tensions among armed formations in Tripoli and the west in late August, but they subsided after those formations agreed through intense negotiations led by the President and Minister of the Interior on new security arrangements, including handing over of control of several key locations in the capital to the Ministry of the Interior. Increasingly concerned about the impact on the Libyan people, in September, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) convened several rounds of talks on the basis of the Libyan Political Agreement with representatives from the Parliament, the High Council of State and the Presidential Council. On 26 September, delegations from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State signed an agreement that included nominees for the positions of the Central Bank Governor and Deputy Governor and mandated the establishment of the Board of Directors. On 2 October, a new Central Bank Governor and Deputy Governor took office following consultations by the High Council of State and endorsement by the House of Representatives. UNSMIL welcomed that outcome, which was followed on 3 October by the National Oil Corporation announcing the lifting of the force majeure, thereby enabling the full resumption of oil operations and exports. I want to recognize the constructive engagement by the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, the Presidential Council and other Libyan leaders in finding a resolution to the Central Bank crisis, as well as the members of the international community that supported a speedy resolution. Further steps must still be taken, starting with the appointment of a Board of Directors. A competent, accountable Central Bank leadership is essential to restoring trust among the Libyan people and credibility in the global financial system. I urge Libyan stakeholders to support the new leadership in undertaking critical monetary policy and governance-related reforms. Those events remind us of the critical importance of ensuring the independence of State institutions and the need to de-politicize the use of Libyan institutions and natural resources for political gains. They are also a stark reminder of the threat posed by unilateral actions and the need for all parties to work together to find solutions in the spirit of compromise while adhering to their respective prerogatives. Regrettably, other actions continue to fuel divisions. The dispute over the authority to adjudicate on constitutional matters continues. On 1 October, the Supreme Court rejected the appointment of Constitutional Court judges by the House of Representatives on 23 September. The House of Representatives’ earlier decision to revoke the mandate of the Government of National Unity and the Presidential Council and name itself Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces continues to be a source of tension. Consensus on a way forward on the national reconciliation process, which remains stalled, must also be achieved. It is clear that, if unilateral actions continue, they will only undermine Libya’s sovereignty, plunge the country into further crisis and distract from the task at hand, namely, that of paving the way to a comprehensive political solution  — a solution that addresses issues such as the current divisions within State institutions, the need for a unified Government and restoring democratic legitimacy through elections. Libyans have also made clear their desire for a political process to address longer-term fundamental issues. Those include the nature and structure of the Libyan State and the equitable distribution of wealth among all Libyans. That will entail comprehensive, inclusive political dialogue. The recent events have also shown that confidence-building measures, such as ending unilateral actions or securing guarantees concerning commitments made, are more critical than ever to advancing a productive political process. The resolution of the Central Bank crisis signals hope for progress on an inclusive political process facilitated by the United Nations that can take the country to general elections and longer-term stability. UNSMIL is actively working to advance such a process, for which international support remains crucial. Another destabilizing issue in Libya is the continued division within the High Council of State over the contested vote for its President held on 6 August. The paralysis is eroding the unity of that important institution. There are also reports of some High Council of State members being threatened by security agencies in Tripoli. Those practices undermine the independence of the institution and create an unacceptable climate of fear. I urge all actors concerned to find a solution that preserves the High Council of State’s unity, and UNSMIL is working to help facilitate a resolution. The effects of armed conflict continue to be felt by ordinary Libyans today. In August and September alone, incidents involving unexploded ordinance resulted in 13 fatalities, including two children. Turning to the ceasefire agreement, on 25 August, I met the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in Sirte. I urge the Joint Military Commission to continue advancing its mandate and the Libyan authorities to overcome obstacles hindering the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The Security Working Group meeting in Sirte due to take place later this month presents an opportunity to refocus efforts on the security track. On a positive note, preparations for local elections in 60 municipalities are continuing. Candidacy applications closed on 14 September, with 2,389 Libyans applying, including 474 women and 393 persons with disabilities. The High National Election Commission received feedback from the national authorities on applicants’ eligibility as part of the mandated vetting process and on October 6 it published the preliminary list of candidates, kicking off the challenges and appeals phase. Elections are expected in November. More than 1,000 observers — including more than 260 women — from 86 organizations have been accredited. We look forward to successful local elections, which represent an important opportunity for the Libyan people to exercise the right to choose its representatives. Human rights violations across Libya remain alarming. Over the past two months more than 23 cases of arbitrary arrest, detention and forced disappearance, involving three women and children, were reported in western and eastern Libya; many of those incidents were politically motivated. UNSMIL calls for an end to all arbitrarily detained individuals and for independent investigations so as to end impunity. I am also concerned by online violence targeting women’s organizations, and I call for concerted efforts by the authorities and Libyan society to ensure an enabling environment for women to participate in public life. On 30 August, UNSMIL and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report documenting human rights violations by the Al-Kaniyat militias in Tarhuna, including enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary execution and forced displacement. I urge the authorities to implement the report’s recommendations, which include the need for accountability, truth, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition as integral components of a national reconciliation process grounded in transitional justice. The report also underscores the urgent necessity to resume the excavation and identification of mass graves to help bring closure to families. Arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against six Libyan men on 4 October for alleged atrocity crimes in Tarhuna are important in supporting accountability and the law enforcement efforts of the Attorney-General, whose ongoing efforts I commend. I welcome the recent start of cooperation between UNSMIL with the authorities based in eastern Libya on strengthening standards on human rights, due process and the treatment of prisoners and UNSMIL’s ongoing engagement on those matters with the authorities in western Libya. More work needs to be done. About a month ago, Libya commemorated one year since floods devastated Derna and the surrounding communities, resulting in thousands of lives lost, with many people still missing. I pay tribute to the resilience of the Libyan people. Since the start of the crisis in the Sudan in 2023, an estimated 98,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Libya. The human rights and humanitarian conditions faced by migrants and refugees in the country continue to be of concern. It is critical to continue providing humanitarian assistance while assisting the Libyan authorities in that regard and strengthening migration management in line with human rights standards. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the status quo in Libya has persisted for too long and is unsustainable. The Central Bank crisis revealed the fragile nature of the stability, which is sometimes apparent as a result of the political stalemate. The Libyan people deserve better. It is time to dispel the perception that the United Nations and the international community are working only to manage the crisis in Libya but not to address it. It is my intention to build on recent positive achievements and advance an inclusive political process in the coming weeks, aimed at breaking the political deadlock, addressing long-standing conflict drivers and moving towards national elections. I also count on the support of the Council to that end.

I thank Ms. Koury for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Yamazaki. Mr. Yamazaki: In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to the same resolution. The report covers the period from 21 August to 9 October 2024, during which time the Committee conducted its work using the silence procedure, with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the sanctions measures. With respect to the arms embargo, the Committee replied to Spain’s query related to the exception contained in paragraph 10 of resolution 2095 (2013). The Committee requested Libya to provide updated information, if any, relevant to the Committee’s work on the structure of the security forces under its control and other relevant information listed in paragraph 6 of resolution 2278 (2016) and recalled by paragraph 9 of resolution 2701 (2023). The Committee received the report on a vessel inspection conducted by the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, submitted pursuant to resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2733 (2024), and a report from Italy on inspection and seizure conducted pursuant to paragraph 11 of resolution 1970 (2011). Concerning the assets freeze, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in relation to three notifications invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), two of which were submitted by Bahrain and one by Luxembourg. The Panel of Experts has been requested to provide technical input on one of the notifications. The Committee is currently considering two assets- freeze-exception notifications invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011) submitted by Bahrain. On a notification from Bahrain invoking paragraph 21 of resolution 1970 (2011), technical input was received from the Panel of Experts, and the Committee then sought further clarification from Bahrain. In connection with the informal consultations held in early June by the Committee to consider the interim report of the Panel of Experts, two matters continue to be under consideration by the Committee. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the Committee’s commitment to contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in Libya.

I thank Ambassador Yamazaki for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Bugaighis. Ms. Bugaighis: I thank the members of the Security Council for the opportunity to brief them today. My name is Hala Bugaighis. I am a lawyer and a proud Libyan woman whose life was in Libya until I was compelled to seek a peaceful life elsewhere. Today I am addressing the Security Council on behalf of the Libyan Women, Peace and Security Advisory Group, a group of prominent women civil society leaders working to strengthen the role of women in peace and security processes. My statement will address the impact of the current situation on women’s human rights, women’s participation in the peace process and the important role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Let me begin by saying that there can be no peace in Libya without justice, particularly for the women who were killed while standing up for their rights. There must be justice for Salwa Bugaighis and for all the other women who raised their voices, who sought to end the conflict and who deserved a better life. Despite numerous promises from political actors to uphold human rights principles, as outlined in the political road map, little progress has been made. Women continue to face significant challenges, including restrictions on their movement, restrictions on civil society organizations and the systematic targeting of women human rights defenders, particularly online. Although women face the brunt of the consequences of militarization in Libya, they remain marginalized, and their rights ignored. Women were notably absent from the ceasefire agreement negotiations and thus excluded from key discussions regarding the protection of human rights and security sector reform. UNSMIL must do more to ensure women’s participation in all decision-making processes related to the ceasefire arrangements, particularly within the subcommittee addressing hate speech and cybercrimes. Libya is a country grappling with multiple economic crises that not only have played a major role in the conflict, but also have disproportionately affected women. For instance, women are more adversely affected by fluctuations in financial policies and social protection schemes, as well as inflation, which often leaves them economically vulnerable and with limited means to support their families. Despite that, women’s involvement in the economic track has been tokenistic. I recently participated in the economic track of the peace talks, including to support UNSMIL in facilitating consultations with women before Libyan Political Dialogue Forum sessions. When the economic road map was presented to the Forum, only three women, 6 per cent, were members of the track. Although women’s participation was later increased to 22 per cent, that occurred when the track was inactive. As a result, the road map adopted in January 2020 failed to incorporate women’s perspectives. Furthermore, no women occupy official positions overseeing the country’s monetary, financial or trade policies. Even though the peace dialogue road map committed to allocating at least 30 per cent of leadership positions in the Government to women, only approximately 15 per cent of those roles are occupied by women. Women are not excluded only from the 6+6 negotiating committee, but no women’s groups were even consulted on the committee’s outcomes. Although electoral laws were revised in 2023, they did not include a clearly defined quota for women’s representation in the House of Representatives, they reserved only 6.5 per cent of seats for women in the congressional elections, and furthermore, failed to criminalize violence against women during the electoral process, something that will be especially relevant in the upcoming elections. The absence of women’s meaningful participation in reconciliation efforts  — from consultations and the development of a comprehensive vision to the formulation of relevant laws — is deeply concerning, as it undermines the inclusivity and therefore the effectiveness of the process. Council members must not let the false sense of political stability in Libya deceive them. Beneath it, institutions are weakening, wealth is being scattered, unity is crumbling and the social fabric of the nation is unravelling. The dream of a democratic and prosperous Libya will fade unless the mistakes of the past are addressed. Different interpretations of the Libyan Political Agreement have been exploited by various actors and significantly undermined its legitimacy. For instance, the recent dispute regarding the management of Libya’s Central Bank has severely impacted the livelihoods of Libyans through widespread insecurity, inflation and the decline of public services. UNSMIL’s efforts to advance negotiations towards a new Libyan political dialogue may represent a feasible path to stability. However, basing peace mediation efforts on a concept of power-sharing, rather than responsibility-sharing, will only enable the spoilers of peace rather than lead to meaningful results. Hence, accountability should be at the heart of the process. That means that responsibility for human rights violations should not be negotiated away in the name of political expediency. Efforts to activate the national reconciliation process remain constrained by the interests of both national and international actors, which, as a result, reflects neither the concerns of ordinary Libyans, nor indicates how such a process would be implemented. The process will succeed only if it safeguards the rights of victims to justice, accountability and reparations and ensures their meaningful participation in transition processes. I would like to conclude by calling on the Security Council to take the following actions. The Council must urgently appoint a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General of UNSMIL who is able to facilitate Libya’s transition to a democratic State through free and fair elections. It must renew UNSMIL’s current mandate for a full 12 months. It must demand that all actors end intimidation, attacks and reprisals against women civil society and politically active women. All repressive measures currently imposed on civil society must be lifted immediately. In addition, UNSMIL must be equipped with a specific mandate not only to monitor and report on violations against women human rights defenders, but also to provide support to those at risk. UNSMIL must also work closely with national actors to address the overall human rights situation in the country. UNSMIL must further be tasked with prioritizing the women and peace and security components of its mandate, including ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in all decision-making processes related to Libya’s transition and integrating a gender perspective into discussions regarding the political process, security, the economy and the impact of climate change. Under the supervision of UNSMIL, the Council must establish an independent team of national experts to review and provide advice on problematic provisions in the Political Agreement, particularly those concerning the appointment or dismissal of senior officials, the Government and the Central Bank of Libya. The team should also offer legal guidance on holding independent parliamentary and presidential elections, concluding transitional phases and restoring legitimacy. The team must include representation of women and youth. The Council must urge all parties to immediately revive the national reconciliation track and establish a comprehensive, inclusive process focused on justice and human rights that ensures non-recurrence and accountability for past violations. Justice for women in Libya — both those who have fallen and those who continue to carry the weight of our nation’s struggles on their shoulders — must be served. It is time to act, for them and for the future of Libya.

I thank Ms. Bugaighis for her statement. 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 Ms. Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya; Ambassador Kazuyuki and Ms. Bugaighis for their informative briefings today. The past two months have demonstrated the fragility of Libya’s status quo. Unilateral actions by Libyan actors on all sides have threatened the country’s stability. But recent weeks have also shown the ability to find political solutions through serious engagement between Libyan stakeholders. I would like to make three points today. First, we commend Deputy Special Representative Koury’s efforts to broker a solution to the Central Bank crisis. We welcome the agreement reached on the appointment of a new governor. It is vital now that the stakeholders swiftly agree a board of directors that is credible, competent and free from political influence. As a unified institution, it should also operate transparently. In addition, we urge all actors to work to rebuild the legitimacy and credibility of the Central Bank, especially with international institutions. We also welcome the resumption of oil production, a vital shared resource for the prosperity and well-being of the Libyan people. Secondly, as we heard from briefers, the Central Bank crisis has shown that the status quo is becoming increasingly unstable. Libya needs a long-term settlement, as I consistently heard from the many Libyan people I met during my visit to Libya last year. In that regard, we welcome the continued efforts to make progress on the political track, including plans to convene the Security Working Group next week. We support efforts to build closer cooperation and integration between Libya’s military and security actors, in particular to enhance border security and the fight against terrorism. Thirdly, we remain concerned about the diminishing space for civil society. While we were very grateful to hear from a civil society briefer today, we know that members of civil society face the risk of reprisals for their activities. We are also concerned about the lack of protection of women, restricting their ability to participate in all aspects of Libya’s civil, social and political space — and I thank Ms. Bugaighis for setting this out so clearly for us. Ensuring a free and safe environment for civil society is essential to empower everyone to play a role in developing an open, democratic society. In conclusion, I want to stress our continued support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and to Deputy Special Representative Koury and her team in helping Libya tackle its immense challenges and in her efforts to move beyond managing the situation to resolving long-standing problems, as she described today. We look forward to negotiating the renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate this month and to showing unified Council support for UNSMIL’s work to achieve a long-term political solution and enable elections. The Secretary-General also has our full support in his efforts to appoint a new Special Representative as soon as possible. Finally, we continue to call on all Libya’s leaders to engage in the political process in the spirit of compromise.

I extend my gratitude to Ms. Koury and Ambassador Yamazaki for their comprehensive briefings. I also thank Ms. Bugaighis for her contribution today. The recent disputes regarding the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya demonstrate the fragility of national governance in Libya, which can exacerbate the already complex, interconnected challenges facing its people. In that regard, I would like to highlight three points. First, all parties should refrain from unilateral actions that undermine trust and further deepen institutional divisions. We urge all Libyan leaders to faithfully engage with each other on outstanding issues in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement. Further discord is not in the interests of the Libyan people. We stress the importance of the integrity and continuity of the Central Bank — not only to ensure a stable economic and financial environment in Libya, but also to prevent expanded political divisions in the country. In that vein, we urge all parties to cooperate in the implementation of the 26 September agreement on appointing the Governor and Board of Directors of the Libyan Central Bank. We commend the crucial role of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in both mediating and facilitating that agreement. We also call on Libyan actors to agree to a unified budget law and to manage its national resources in a sustainable manner, as those have been underlying issues behind the crisis surrounding the Central Bank. Secondly, we stress the vital role of UNSMIL in facilitating an inclusive Libyan-led and -owned political process, as the Council will be negotiating the Mission’s mandate renewal this month. In that regard, it will be particularly important for the Security Council to demonstrate its unwavering support for UNSMIL’s activities towards a successful political transition in Libya by unanimously renewing its mandate for the requisite time needed. We take this opportunity to extend our full support for the efforts of UNSMIL, led by the interim leadership, in delivering its mandate. We welcome the recent visit of Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo to Libya, which demonstrates the Organization’s strong commitment to Libya’s political process. In the same vein, we expect the Secretary-General to swiftly appoint a new Special Representative for Libya. We also appreciate Ambassador Yamazaki’s works in steering the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, as its Chair. In that connection, we call on the parties concerned to halt the provision of arms to various actors in Libya, in violation of the United Nations arms embargo, as arms destabilize not only Libya, but the wider region as well. Thirdly, the Libyan authorities should step up their efforts to holistically address the concerning human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya, in cooperation with international partners. In particularly, the recent United Nations report on the shocking Tarhuna tragedy, published in August, underscores the importance of revealing truth and pursuing justice on past atrocities so as to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. We welcome the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants against suspected perpetrators of atrocities in Tarhuna and encourage the Libyan authorities to step up their efforts to hold accountable those who committed atrocities, including by building the capacity of law enforcement agencies and relevant legislation to criminalize such heinous acts. My delegation appreciates the work of the High National Elections Commission in organizing the municipal elections scheduled for this year as a crucial stepping stone for the political process in Libya. In addition, we stress the importance of ensuring the full, effective, meaningful and safe participation of women, particularly by protecting them from harassment or violence throughout the election process. Ultimately, the continuing divisions and instabilities in Libya can be settled by holding national elections, which will lead to the formation of a unified Government representing the entirety of the Libyan people. In that regard, my delegation renews its calls on Libyan leaders to reach a consensus on electoral laws and a road map towards free, fair and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections, as soon as possible.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone and my own country, Mozambique, as well as Guyana (A3+). We express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Libya and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), for her insightful briefing and update on the situation in Libya. We also thank Ms. Hala Bugaighis, member of the Libyan Women and Peace and Security Advisory Group, for her perspective. We extend our appreciation to Ambassador Yamazaki for his briefing on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, and recognize the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. The A3+ welcomes the agreement reached between Libyan actors on the Central Bank of Libya. This important milestone marks a significant step towards stability in Libya after years of division. The practical, effective and successful implementation of the agreement on the Central Bank of Libya will be crucial for the country’s economic and political future. We therefore call on the relevant institutions to work together on that endeavour, and we emphasize the urgency of appointing the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Libya, accelerating financial arrangements and establishing a unified national budget. Concurrently, the effective leadership of the Central Bank of Libya is vital for the country’s economic stability and growth. The Bank must operate independently, while prioritizing transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline. By upholding those principles, the Central Bank can protect Libya’s resources, especially its significant oil reserves, thereby ensuring that the country’s wealth benefits all Libyans, not just select groups or individuals. That is especially important given Libya’s history of economic challenges. The A3+ welcomes the recent announcement by the National Oil Corporation about lifting the force majeure and restarting crude oil production. We therefore highlight the need to depoliticize Libya’s oil resources, including ensuring that they are utilized solely for the economic empowerment and well-being of the Libyan nation, rather than as a means of exerting political influence. The Central Bank of Libya agreement demonstrates significant progress in prioritizing the nation’s interests over personal agendas. It is now essential to capitalize on that momentum. We call on Libyan actors and institutions to exercise restraint and address the unilateral measures that escalate tensions, erode trust, deepen institutional divisions among Libyans and could lead to dire consequences. We urge Libyan actors to focus on facilitating a Libyan-led national dialogue among key stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, conduct successful national elections and unify institutions. Consensus on those vital issues is not just important but critical to ensuring the success of Libya’s elections  — a pivotal step towards national progress. We strongly encourage further steps to cement a stable political landscape. That includes unifying State institutions and avoiding dealing with parallel bodies, which would jeopardize Libya’s fragile stability and complicate the political landscape. In that regard, the A3+ stresses the importance of finalizing Libya’s draft electoral laws. The urgency of resolving the contentious issues surrounding those laws in order to move forward is clear. However, it is unfortunate that no progress has been made in addressing those disputes, and we wish to highlight the urgent need for the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate future negotiations and break the current political stalemate. We urge all parties to fully support and participate in UNSMIL’s mediation efforts. It is crucial that everyone has an equal say in shaping Libya’s future, especially women and young people, who must be given safe and meaningful opportunities to contribute. The A3+ strongly supports the renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate and emphasizes the crucial need for an extension of 12 months to ensure that the Mission can effectively deliver on its objectives. The renewal is vital for stabilizing the situation in Libya, facilitating ongoing dialogue among Libyan stakeholders and promoting a peaceful resolution to the current challenges. By extending the mandate, the international community can reaffirm its commitment to supporting Libya on its path towards stability, security and sustainable development. We also reaffirm the upholding of the Libyan Political Agreement and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map as the foundation for the collective efforts towards peace and stability in Libya. The A3+ is deeply troubled by the persistent security challenges in Libya, where tensions remain high. While it is a relief that the 2020 ceasefire agreement remains in place, the volatile security situation is a major concern. In that context, the A3+ reiterates its call for the swift withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya to create an environment that is conducive to political and security- related progress. That would pave the way for a more stable and peaceful Libya. The A3+ is following with keen interest the initiative launched last month by the President of the Presidential Council of Libya aimed at establishing security coordination centres. We stand ready to support any initiative that serves Libya’s best interests, provided it is under United Nations oversight and is fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. Our goal is to help Libya to address its security challenges while respecting its independence and sovereignty. The dire humanitarian situation in Libya, particularly the plight of migrants and refugees, is of great concern. To address the situation, we call for international cooperation to ensure the safety, dignity and human rights of those vulnerable groups. The alarming influx of migrants and refugees from regions with instability underscores the need for streamlined humanitarian aid and coordinated international efforts, including from Libyan institutions. Finally, as Libya is at a pivotal moment, the upcoming National Reconciliation Conference is essential for bridging the country’s divisions and fostering unity. The conference will provide a vital platform for Libyans to come together, address their differences and work towards a more cohesive and stable future, while moving closer to achieving their prosperity goals.

I thank Deputy Special Representative Koury for her informative briefing and Ambassador Yamazaki for his work at the head of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). I also thank Ms. Bugaighis for her briefing. I acknowledge the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in this meeting. My delegation’s statement will focus on three points. First, Ecuador welcomes the agreement between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, which has made possible the appointment of the new administrators of the Central Bank of Libya — an institution that plays an essential role in the financial and economic stability of the country. Ecuador echoes the call of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for all parties to ensure an orderly handover to the new administration of the Central Bank, in accordance with current legislation, and for the appointment of a professional and credible Board of Directors. The agreement highlights the parties’ ability to overcome challenges when the interests of Libya and its citizens are prioritized. It has also demonstrated the need for the parties to refrain from unilateral decisions that aggravate tensions and deepen institutional divisions. Secondly, and in view of the deterioration of the political and security situation in Libya, Ecuador reiterates its call for the parties to commit to addressing any outstanding issues through inclusive dialogue in good faith, thereby paving the way for the unification of the country’s institutions and the restoration of their legitimacy. That goal can be achieved only through the resumption of the political process and the establishment of a unified Government that respects civic space and is capable of holding free, fair and transparent presidential and legislative elections, in which the full and secure participation of women and youth is guaranteed. Furthermore, accountability must be one of the pillars of the reconciliation process in Libya. The crimes allegedly committed in Tarhuna, as documented in the recent joint report by UNSMIL and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, cannot go unpunished. Thirdly, Ecuador acknowledges the endeavours made by the local authorities to address the growing humanitarian needs of Sudanese refugees, which must be supported by humanitarian agencies, and calls for concrete action to combat the human trafficking networks operating in the country. In conclusion, Ecuador supports UNSMIL’s efforts and will participate constructively in the negotiations for the renewal of its mandate. My delegation acknowledges the stewardship of Deputy Special Representative Koury and trusts in the Secretary-General’s judgment as regards renewing UNSMIL’s leadership. Ecuador also congratulates Mr. Aeneas Chuma on his appointment as Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya and wishes him success in his role.

I too thank Deputy Special Representative Koury and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I also welcome the permanent representative of Libya to this meeting. Malta is encouraged by the ongoing progress towards resolving the institutional crisis affecting the Central Bank of Libya. We look forward to the full implementation of all provisions of the agreement of 26 September, including the appointment of a credible and professional Board of Directors and the revocation of all the unilateral decisions issued in the context of the Central Bank of Libya crisis. We commend the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and particularly that of Deputy Special Representative Koury, in advancing efforts to address the crisis. That positive contribution is a strong reminder that the central role of the United Nations and UNSMIL, as mandated by the Council, must play in Libya. In that vein, supporting UNSMIL remains of paramount importance and entails engaging constructively in the appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and ensuring that UNSMIL’s mandate and operating environment are not weakened in the upcoming renewal negotiations. Those developments serve as a reminder that the state of political paralysis and the absence of unified State structures in Libya cannot continue. A Libyan- led and Libyan-owned political process under United Nations auspices remains the only avenue for Libya to prosper. Malta emphasizes the critical importance of gender equality and ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in the process. The Libyan people’s aspiration to exercise its democratic rights and hold peaceful elections is significantly contingent on all the actions of all Libyan stakeholders. To that end, we call on all Libyan political actors to engage with each other in a constructive and transparent manner. That includes refraining from unilateral actions that undermine trust and further entrench institutional divides. Any initiatives, including those of regional stakeholders, must remain complementary to the United Nations role. The constructive engagement observed in the negotiations aimed at resolving the Central Bank of Libya crisis must be mirrored by all Libyan stakeholders. That includes efforts to resolve the ongoing uncertainty regarding the leadership of the High Council of State and the broader political track. The continued political intransigence continues to negatively affect all aspects of life in Libya. The security situation remains fragile, with the country urgently requiring a unified military and security apparatus. The presence of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries, the proliferation of weapons among various States and non-State actors and the conflict in the Sudan are additional destabilizing factors. Measures seeking to fully implement the Libyan arms embargo, including the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, require our full support. Full compliance with the broader sanctions framework laid down by resolution 1970 (2011) remains equally essential. We believe that the assets freeze is intended to benefit Libya and its people and that Libyan funds held abroad must continue to be safeguarded and be declared for eventual for repatriation. From a human rights perspective, we are alarmed by the decreased space for civil society and youth in mapping Libya’s future. We need to ensure that all Libyans can enjoy their fundamental human rights, and that includes the lifting of any restrictions on women’s freedom of movement and their right to work. We strongly support UNSMIL’s efforts to advance human rights protections in Libya. In conclusion, let me to reiterate Malta’s call for Libyan political actors and international actors to implement the necessary steps to advance Libya’s political process. The Libyan people have a right to choose their own leadership. That remains the only way of realizing the population’s aspirations for peace, stability, prosperity and democracy.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Koury, the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, Ambassador Yamazaki, and Ms. Bugaighis for their briefings. I also welcome the Libyan Ambassador to the meeting. I start today by welcoming the recent agreement on Libya’s Central Bank reached between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, bringing much needed de-escalation in a very fragile context. In August, faced with a serious deterioration in the political, security and economic landscape in Libya, the Security Council stated its concern at the developments and tensions in the country. Slovenia condemned clashes and expressed alarm at military mobilization and movements, urging all actors to exercise maximum restraint and to respect international law. The agreement that has since been reached to overcome the dispute on the leadership of the Central Bank and other critical issues relating to the governance of the institution is both promising and welcome. Furthermore, it demonstrates that it is possible for Libyan actors to reach compromise on issues critical to the well-being and future of the Libyan people. We urge the Libyan parties to fulfil the terms of the agreement and acknowledge the key role played by the United Nations in mediating the process. United Nations efforts should remain central going forward, and we hope that the agreement can form the basis of further agreements. Slovenia also welcomes the visit undertaken to Libya last month by Under Secretary-General DiCarlo and her engagement with a wide variety of interlocutors, including civil society. We echo her sentiment that credible, inclusive national elections are the only way to end the political deadlock and achieve a durable peace. We welcome the preparations for the holding of local elections — an important step in the democratic process. Slovenia once again calls for dialogue among all Libyan actors and fully supports United Nations efforts to facilitate an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. We once again call for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in that process. We further urge all parties to refrain from unilateral actions and engage with the United Nations process in good faith and without preconditions. In order to overcome divisions in the country, we believe that a genuine and rights-based national reconciliation process will be critical. We also believe that accountability and transitional justice are necessary components to break the cycle of violence. We are troubled by the recent joint report by UNSMIL and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that provides disturbing findings on gross human rights violations and abuses committed in and around the city of Tarhuna, where mass graves have revealed the scale of the violence. Survivors and their families are naturally disappointed by the lack of progress in holding perpetrators of those violations and abuses to account. They must be included in all future discussions on reconciliation at the local and national levels. We call on the Libyan authorities to implement the recommendations of that report, with the cooperation and support of the international community. Before concluding, I wish to acknowledge that we recently passed the one-year mark since Storm Daniel, which inflicted so much devastation on Libya and its people. The strength of the people of Derna to rebuild their communities in the wake of such devastation is remarkable. We urge the Libyan authorities to continue to prioritize coordinated reconstruction and long-term development in Derna and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, I would like to recall the heightened vulnerability of growing numbers of Sudanese refugees in Libya and recognize the indispensable role of local authorities in responding to their needs. Finally, Slovenia expresses its support to UNSMIL and the Deputy Special Representative. We look forward to the renewal of the Mission’s mandate.

I thank Officer-in-Charge Koury for her briefing and for her continued leadership of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). I also wish to thank Ms. Bugaighis for her presentation. UNSMIL has played an essential role in supporting the political process, assisting with the unification of institutions and, most recently, enabling an agreement to resolve the Central Bank of Libya crisis. We fully support a 12-month renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate. We commend Officer-in-Charge Koury and her team’s role in enabling Libyan parties to reach a compromise on appointing new leadership to the Central Bank of Libya, a crucial step to address the negative repercussions of the recent crisis for the national economy. Robust implementation of the deal is crucial to bring an end to the leadership dispute that has damaged the Central Bank’s reputation and undermined the international financial system’s confidence in it. We urge the swift appointment of a new technocratic and qualified board of directors, as stipulated by that agreement, to rebuild public confidence in the Central Bank and strengthen its governance, enabling the bank to implement needed reforms in line with the recommendations from the International Monetary Fund’s article IV report and from the United Nations- facilitated audit in 2021 and enact effective monetary policy to stabilize Libya’s economy. We must also encourage all sides to work on agreement towards a unified east-west budget that would reflect the equitable distribution of Libya’s oil revenues for the benefit of all Libyans. It is essential that Libyan parties avoid further unilateral actions that risk undermining Libya’s stability and instead take meaningful steps to de-escalate. The resolution of the Central Bank crisis involves the same kind of dialogue and fundamental compromises that are needed to restart the political process and develop a shared path to elections and political stability. The status quo is unstable and risks ever-deeper divisions, the erosion of Libyan sovereignty, a resort to violence and broader instability. Ms. Koury’s success in bringing the parties together to reach a consensus solution on senior Central Bank leadership reminds us there can be a way out of that dead end. Members of the Security Council must continue to push for political compromise that defines a credible road map towards free and fair national elections, consistent with resolution 2702 (2023). Those elections, in turn, should lead to a representative and accountable Government that the Libyan people need and deserve. UNSMIL has already been playing an important role in facilitating wider engagement and participation of women and youth. I also wish to reiterate the important role of civil society in promoting reconciliation and accountability in Libya. Rising instability along Libya’s southern borders is a reminder of the importance of supporting the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions. Progress towards military unification is key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional conflict. We took note of the Libyan request of the Security Council for international assistance to help integrate Libyan counter-terrorism and border security capabilities. We fully support efforts to address the needs of Libyan security forces throughout the country as they seek to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. Border security is essential to humanitarian efforts, given the ongoing conflict in the Sudan and increasing flows of people across the border. As we heard from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees during the 30 September briefing on migration, Libya should expect more refugees from the Sudan. We urge Libya to take action to ensure the protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the areas they control, especially along the border. Turning to sanctions, we thank Ambassador Yamazaki for the briefing on the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya and its activities. We encourage the Panel of Experts’ continued reporting on the implementation of United Nations sanctions, and we welcome the Panel of Experts’ identification of individuals and entities involved in violations. Maritime implementation of the oil and arms embargoes is vital to maintain stability in the Mediterranean, safeguard Libyan resources for the Libyan people and prevent flows of weapons that risk further destabilization in Libya and further afield in Africa. We fully support the work of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, which over the years has successfully disrupted illicit oil sales that would have funded criminal networks and armed factions. Council support for Libya is more important than ever. A unified international voice in support of all those efforts on the political, humanitarian, economic and military tracks will be crucial to making concrete progress and building opportunities for the Libyan people.

We thank Ms. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs for Libya and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan, for his briefing in his capacity as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. We also thank Ms. Hala Bugaighis. The situation in and around Libya is intensifying. There remains a dual power structure in the country, the antagonism among Libyan leaders is growing and the political process is at an impasse. Various disagreements are emerging one after another in the domestic political arena. All of that creates fertile ground for the development of new urgent problems that further delay the prospects of a sustainable settlement and normalization of the situation. The situation can change for the better only in the context of a gradual and inclusive political process that involves the representatives of the former authorities and is aimed at benefiting all Libyans. Its outcome would finalize the work on modalities for the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections throughout the country and, ultimately, the establishment of a Libyan Government that would unify the whole nation. The international community can and should help the Libyans in that, not by imposing artificial deadlines and foreign recipes, but rather by facilitating a genuine dialogue among Libyan protagonists. At the same time, we note that the situation on the ground has so far remained relatively stable. The ceasefire continues to be observed without serious violations. Sporadic clashes among various armed groups are occasionally seen in some parts of the country, but that does not change the overall picture. There is also still a need for further work to unify the armed forces, which is in the political field and is directly related to progress on a comprehensive settlement. Furthermore, we continue to consistently advocate a synchronized, balanced, gradual and phased withdrawal of all non-Libyan armed groups and military units. Doing otherwise could pose serious risks of upsetting the fragile balance that has been established on Libyan soil. We welcome the compromise reached with regard to the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya. The unification of State institutions, including financial ones, and the preservation of the unity of the Central Bank affect the process of the Libyan settlement. At the same time, we believe that specific aspects of the financial and economic policy of the former Jamahiriya are strictly domestic concerns and can hardly be qualified as issues of peace and security. We do not see much benefit in trying to micromanage such processes from the outside. We also note the resumption of oil production at a number of oil fields in the east. We understand perfectly well the interest of Libyans in the stability of supplies, since the majority of the country’s income is generated from oil revenues, which is then used to improve living conditions, pay salaries to civil servants and establish an uninterrupted supply of electricity. Against that backdrop, we are surprised by the sharp reaction of the representatives of some Western countries to the slightest interruptions in the supply of Libyan hydrocarbons. We are left with the impression that oil is the only thing that interests them in Libya. This looks very odd, not only against the background of other pressing Libyan problems, but also in the context of an unprecedented regional escalation in the Middle East, which risks engulfing more and more States. We believe that the opportunistic interests of individual players should not overshadow the urgent tasks related to the Libyan political settlement. We cannot afford to drag our heels on this issue because the future of the country depends on how quickly the parties can find a common denominator. In that regard, it is important to consolidate the approaches of external players and pool their efforts so as to help the country emerge from the crisis and ensure that no protagonists undertake abrupt and destructive steps, which, in turn, would prevent further escalation. We are convinced that Libya should not become an arena for competition among various States, each with their own agenda in the country. We share the international consensus regarding the central role the United Nations should be playing in the Libyan settlement process. In particular, we would like to underscore our unwavering support for the efforts of the key element of this configuration, namely the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We regret that ever since the departure of Mr. Bathily, the interim period has been dragging on. We understand very well that regardless of the diligent efforts of his former team, without a proper Council- approved new leader for the Mission, it cannot fully discharge its most important function — to support the national dialogue. Under these conditions, we cannot agree to extend the UNSMIL mandate for a long period. We are ready to work to resolve this issue expeditiously. We note a similar disposition by the Secretary-General. We expect that Secretary-General Guterres will propose new candidates in the very near future. That will require due consideration of the opinions of the intra-Libyan parties and regional actors.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, as well as the Permanent Representative of Japan and Ms. Bugaighis for their briefings. France welcomes the appointment of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya following the agreement reached between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We hope that the Board of Directors of the Central Bank will be appointed within the time frame set out in the agreement. This is an important step for promoting the unity, stability and transparency of Libyan institutions. I reiterate France’s full support for the mediation work led by Deputy Special Representative Koury. While this is a positive step, it is insufficient. The political process is deadlocked, fuelling insecurity and instability in the country. The presidential and legislative elections were postponed indefinitely in December 2021, in the absence of a unified Government. We urgently need to resolve the recent crises, but above all, we need to find solutions to their root causes in order to put an end to the cycle of tensions in Libya. That is why the political process must be relaunched to lead to the formation of a unified Government, the only way to allow simultaneous presidential and legislative elections to be held, in accordance with the will of the Libyan people. On the security front, the ceasefire must be respected and consolidated. It is essential to work towards the reunification of military institutions and to continue supporting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. This process is essential if Libya is to regain its sovereignty and stability, free from foreign influence. France supports such efforts. The United Nations plays a critical role in breaking the deadlock. I would like to reiterate France’s full support for the mediation work carried out by UNSMIL. The current transition period must provide an opportunity for in-depth reflection on its strategic objectives. A clear mandate, precise strategic objectives and a renewed capacity to implement them should enable it to fully assume its role. We reiterate our call for every effort to be made to guarantee the free expression of Libyan voters in the forthcoming municipal elections. We are concerned about the situation of migrants, refugees and asylum- seekers and encourage the Libyan authorities to cooperate with UNSMIL, United Nations agencies and the European Union against human trafficking and traffickers. France supports the programmes run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration in Libya. The role of all Libyan parties is fundamental in mapping out a way out of the crisis. The international community and Libya’s partners must overcome their differences and fully support Libyan sovereignty and independence. We owe that, collectively, to the Libyan people, the first victims of the current impasse.

I thank Ms. Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, and Ambassador Yamazaki, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for their briefings. I also listened carefully to the statement delivered by Ms. Bugaighis. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. In the context of recent developments in Libya, I would like to make several points. First, we should enhance dialogue and consultation in order to break the political deadlock. Libya is currently at a critical stage in its peaceful reconstruction, and promoting a political transition is an important cornerstone for ensuring its long- term peace and stability. Recently, the High National Elections Commission has been actively promoting local elections. All parties have reached consensus on the appointment of a new Governor of the Central Bank of Libya and are committed to easing tensions. These efforts are commendable. We call on all parties to continue to adhere to the general direction of a political settlement, strengthen dialogue and consultation and garner more consensus for the early resumption of political negotiations and the establishment of unified State institutions. This week, the leaders of the Republic of the Congo, Mauritania and the African Union will lead a mission to Libya to engage with the parties. We hope that this visit will play a positive role in enhancing dialogue, rebuilding trust and bridging differences. The international community should continue to support efforts to seek African solutions to African problems and promote a political solution to the Libyan issue. We call for respect for Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and reiterate our urgent appeal for external armed forces and mercenaries to withdraw from Libya as soon as possible in a smooth and orderly manner. Secondly, we must ease confrontation and maintain security and stability. Libya has experienced a long period of civil war and conflict, with an extremely divided security structure, and some of its recent unilateral actions have exacerbated the fragile security situation. China calls on all Libyan parties to put the interests of the country and the people first, exercise rational restraint, continue to strictly abide by the ceasefire agreement, implement the consensus of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and work together to safeguard the hard-won détente. The military intervention of external forces in Libya 13 years ago led to multiple grave consequences and provided a breeding ground for the spread of terrorism. The countries of the region are still suffering from it. Last month, during the general debate of the General Assembly, Mr. Al-Manfi, Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, reiterated the terrorist challenges Libya currently faces. We call on all parties to pay attention to that issue and to continue to provide support to Libya in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts and maintaining border security. Thirdly, we must focus on humanitarian challenges and improve people’s livelihoods. Affected by continued political instability, the deterioration of economic situation and other factors, hundreds of thousands of Libyans are in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Illegal immigration, the conflict in the Sudan, flooding and other natural disasters have further worsened the humanitarian situation. The international community should continue to scale up humanitarian assistance to Libya and provide more constructive support for its development and rebuilding. China welcomes the recent consensus reached by the Libyan parties through consultations on the reopening of oil fields and ports. We support Libya utilizing its oil resources well and using its oil revenues to improve its people’s well-being. At the same time, the Council should pay effective attention to the concerns of the Libyan authorities regarding frozen assets abroad and work out a solution as soon as possible to protect Libyan people from losing their wealth. China supports the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in playing its due role in mediating the Libyan issue and making greater efforts to advance the political transition and achieve lasting peace in Libya. At present, the Council is conducting consultations on the mandate renewal of UNSMIL. China is ready to engage constructively and work towards consensus among all parties.

I thank the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Koury, for her update and her able work leading the Mission. I also thank Ms. Bugaighis for her important briefing. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya, who joins us today. At the outset, Japan welcomes the agreement between the Libyan parties to appoint a Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya and its endorsement by the House of Representatives and High Council of State, facilitated by the leadership of UNSMIL. Given the important role that the Central Bank plays in the Libyan economy, Japan calls for further constructive engagement by the actors involved to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of national wealth, which comes mainly from oil revenues. Furthermore, no party should use control over the sources of Libya’s national wealth as a means to pressurize their rivals. In that vein, Japan welcomes the lifting of the force majeure on oil fields to allow for the resumption of oil production. Japan calls on the Libyan parties and institutions to refrain from any unilateral actions or decisions or use of forcible measures that could increase tensions and distrust and to instead place the people’s interests above their own ambitions. Since the most recent Security Council briefing on this topic (see S/PV.9709), a shocking report has been issued by UNSMIL and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on mass graves in Tarhuna. The report reveals details of local large-scale human rights violations and abuses that were committed in the town between 2013 and 2022. In that regard, last week, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) granted the Prosecutor’s request to unseal six arrest warrants issued regarding the Libyan situation. Japan strongly supports the ICC’s contributions to the rule of law and human dignity. Those crimes are not merely events in Libya’s past. Systematic human rights violations and excessive restrictions on civic space continue to be reported. The situation that migrants are experiencing is of great concern as well. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the rule of law must prevail. Turning to the political situation, Japan remains concerned about the lack of clear progress towards breaking the prolonged political stalemate. We reiterate our support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations, which would pave the way to credible and inclusive national elections, restoring the legitimacy of national institutions and providing a solid base for peace and security in Libya and the region. That call should include the realization of gender equality and women and peace and security principles in the entire Libyan society. Japan also welcomes the African Union’s efforts to revitalize the national reconciliation process, complementing the role of the United Nations. Later this month, the Security Council will renew the mandate of UNSMIL. As the complex political, economic, security and humanitarian and human rights situations in Libya require continued international attention, Japan supports a one-year extension of the mandate to allow the Mission to carry out its necessary work. In conclusion, Japan renews its full support to the Mission and its strong commitment to the aspirations of the Libyan people for peace, security, prosperity and dignity.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Switzerland. I thank the Deputy Special Representative and Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Stephanie Koury, Ambassador Yamazaki and Ms. Hala Bugaighis, representative of civil society, for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the Libyan representative. Peace does not just mean the absence of war. Peace also means confidence in State institutions, respect for international law and economic and social security. That is why it is so important that we heard today from a representative of Libyan civil society. Her crucial messages are addressed to the Security Council, the international community and Libya. In the light of her statement, I would like to highlight three points today. First, we reiterate our call for the unification of Libyan institutions. In that regard, we welcome the agreement regarding the Central Bank. It demonstrates the Libyan parties’ ability to overcome the challenges they face. We support the calls of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for that agreement to be implemented, and we welcome the mediation role played by the Mission. We will therefore continue to work alongside UNSMIL to support the Libyan political process. Secondly, the prolonged political stalemate in Libya can be resolved only through a political process based on inclusive dialogue. That dialogue must put the country back on the path to elections. In that regard, we, the Security Council, and the international community as a whole have a responsibility. We must act coherently and in the interests of the Libyan people. In that context, we maintain our support for UNSMIL. We also encourage the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative as soon as possible. Furthermore, national reconciliation in Libya is linked to the political process. We welcome the efforts of the African Union and the Republic of the Congo to organize a conference on national reconciliation. Synergies between their commitment and the work carried out by UNSMIL must be guaranteed. Thirdly, it is essential to create a favourable environment for the political process to move forward. That includes an electoral process that guarantees the participation of women and all minorities. It also includes a free and secure civic space, without reprisals, and the prevention of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Switzerland is alarmed by the enforced disappearances and the arbitrary arrests and detentions. It calls for all arbitrarily detained persons to be released and for the right to a fair trial to be guaranteed. We, the international community, must work with our Libyan partners to find a solution to those issues. As peace does not just mean the absence of war, we have a responsibility to support the Libyan people to enable them to make progress in all the areas mentioned today by Ms. Bugaighis, a member of civil society. Switzerland is ready to continue its commitment in that regard. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Libya.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s meeting. We also thank Ms. Stephanie Koury for her briefing and thank the representative of Japan, as Chair of Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. We also thank Ms. Hala Bugaighis for her participation in today’s meeting. Before I proceed, I would like to make a comment about the work of the Sanctions Committee. We have seen on many occasions that the Sanctions Committee receives correspondence about frozen assets in which there are requests for issuing authorizations or some exceptions regarding the Libyan Investment Authority. However, we have never formally been informed by the Sanctions Committee about such correspondence. We rely solely on our friends in the Council to receive that information, which is unacceptable, in order to formally reply to the correspondence. Knowing that Japan is very much interested in updating the working methods in the Security Council, we therefore ask the Sanctions Committee, headed by our colleague the representative of Japan, to be informed formally of any requests or exceptions from other countries so that we can reply formally as well. That could be one such area to update. We listened to the briefing from Ms. Koury and to members’ statements. As we all know, the situation has not changed much since the previous briefing (see S/PV.9709). There is no real progress in the political process thus far. Without a doubt, the increasing regional and international crises that have escalated recently have had a direct and indirect impact on the situation in my country. That increase has had a negative impact on the consensus within the Council and on its priorities. Therefore, in my statement today, I will call on the Council to support the following five points. First, we reaffirm the importance for everyone to respect the Libyan Political Agreement and its outcomes as a basic reference to reach a practical political solution in Libya and to put an end to the attempts of some, whether countries or individuals, to deepen the institutional divide, so that we can reach solutions that are genuinely Libyan-owned and Libyan-led and achieve Libya’s unity and sovereignty over its territories pursuant to the aspirations of the Libyan people. Secondly, we need to support national dialogue processes so that we can reach consensus regarding all pending controversial issues pertaining to the election laws. That will end the crisis and lead to organizing general elections under the supervision of the international community and the United Nations. Members are aware that we are organizing municipal elections next month. That shows that we are capable of organizing elections and that the problem in Libya is not a technical or logistical one, but a political problem. We must work on finishing all the transitional phases so as to pave the way for permanent stability and put an end to all negative interventions in Libyan national decision-making processes. Thirdly, we should build on the security stability and speed up efforts to unify the security and military institutions so that they become under united civilian authority while ending any foreign presence on Libyan soil. Fourthly, we need to build on the agreement pertaining to the Central Bank that was reached between the sovereign institutions in order to realize consensus on the remaining financial steps and arrangements as well as on a unified budget. We need to take advantage of the current momentum to address the remaining political and economic issues. We reaffirm that oil should not be used as a political tool to bring pressure to bear or to blackmail, as that has had a severe impact every time on the national economy and the Libyan citizens. We hope that what I call the international scare that took place lately and the momentum to reach a solution for the Central Bank will produce the same momentum to find a sustained solution to the political problem. The concern should not only be when it comes to money or resources. Fifthly, we should support the African Union (AU) role as part of the national reconciliation process. We look forward to an AU visit to Libya next month in the context of preparing for the convening of a national reconciliation conference as soon as possible. Therefore, we call on the United Nations and the international community to support that process so that it serves as the basis and momentum for resolving all other issues at the political, economic and security levels, leading to national consensus and to rebuilding trust among the Libyan people. In conclusion, the saying goes that every situation has its own merit. That is why it is my duty to remind members today of their responsibility and of the direct responsibility of the Council for the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank one year following the systemic violations and the genocide against the Palestinian people. The Council will hold a meeting later today to discuss the situation in Palestine. The crisis has expanded to reach Lebanon and other countries. The blood of the tens of thousands of innocent women and children who have been killed and of those who continue to be killed before Council members, in sound and image, will remain a stain on the conscience of everyone who supported those acts of aggression and atrocities or who remained silent about them. Although many countries have made efforts, especially Algeria as representative of the Group of Arab States in the Council, no ceasefire agreement has yet been implemented. The Israeli occupation forces have not been held accountable and punished for their ongoing crimes. As we speak today, they are perpetrating a new massacre in the Jabalia camp. The Israeli entity, which has ignored all Council resolutions, has time and again disregarded and mocked both the Council and this Organization as well as the Secretary-General. Where does the Council stand in that regard? Where does it stand when it comes to activating Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, or to activating the Sanctions Committee against the criminals, the obstructionists and about the arms embargo? We have seen none of that take place. Unfortunately, it is clear that such measures are tailored to be implemented only on specific countries and not others, while double standards still persist. Therefore, I recall that history has recorded, and will continue to record, all that inaction. History will not have mercy on the slackers.

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.