S/PV.9838 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/32, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 14 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2769 (2025). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): The United Kingdom is grateful to all members of the Council for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation of this resolution (resolution 2769 (2025)). Today’s resolution is an important step, ensuring that the United Nations sanctions regime on Libya remains fit for purpose and in the service of the Libyan people. This resolution comes at a critical juncture for advancing Libya’s security and stability. The new exemption to the arms embargo will enable Member States to provide training and technical expertise to Libyan security forces to support the vital goal of military and security reunification. In addition, for the first time, the Libyan Investment Authority will be allowed to reinvest frozen cash reserves to safeguard the assets for the future benefit of the Libyan people. We also welcome the new designation criteria, which will enable us to hold accountable those who exploit crude oil and refined petroleum, a natural resource which should benefit all Libyans. We look forward to working with Council members on proper implementation of those new modifications. We are also pleased to extend the mandate of the Libyan Panel of Experts, whose expertise has been essential to making the changes agreed today. The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the United Nations-facilitated Libyan-led political process and urges all parties to engage fully in order to make much-needed progress and lead the country to elections. The document that was adopted does not fully guarantee that the projects implemented by foreign partners in Libya aimed at helping to unify local law enforcement and increasing their professional level will have the support of the country’s Government and the internal players in a way that they become truly inclusive and transparent. The armed groups must become part unified structures under the control of the Libyan State. At the same time, the country will have to be rid of terrorists and bandits. What is being done by external players should not be done for their own interests, or impinge upon Libya’s sovereignty; otherwise, the intra-Libyan split and the general security crisis in the country, which has been ongoing since NATO’s gross interference in 2011, will only worsen. We expect that the Security Council and its 1970 Sanctions Committee, with the help of the specialized Panel of Experts, will continue to keep a close eye on this important topic. We regret that it was not possible to fully work out language that would have ensured that the military means used to deliver supplies into Libya would have been kept outside of the Libyan arms embargo. We will continue being guided by the logic according to which ships and planes temporarily in Libya that are used exclusively to transport supplies — in particular humanitarian assistance — whether into Libya or any other country under an arms embargo, do not run afoul of sanctions in any way. Having unloaded their supplies, they immediately leave the beneficiary country and cannot undermine peace and security. Therefore, asking for any kind of exemptions from the sanctions regime for them by definition makes no sense. In conclusion, we would like to underscore the need to protect the integrity of the frozen Libyan assets for the benefit of the Libyan people, as we have stated in the relevant Security Council documents. Those moneys are blocked not to punish anyone, but rather to safeguard them. It is important to ensure that the sanctions decisions by the Council do not impede the Libyan authorities from implementing their goals to advance the country’s socioeconomic development. Furthermore, it is unacceptable when external actors make an attempt to control Libya’s finance and credit architecture to reshape it according to their own rules.

The United States would like to express its appreciation to the United Kingdom and other Council members for this resolution to reauthorize the mandate of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Libya, which provides fact-based independent assessments, analysis and recommendations bearing on the implementation of United Nations sanctions on Libya (resolution 2769 (2025)). We welcome the modification of the arms embargo, as requested by Libya to promote east-west security integration. Progress towards military integration and the broader reunification of Libyan institutions is key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional conflict. Libyan political and security actors from all regions support the principle of enhancing the integrity of Libya’s borders and strengthening Libyan counter-terrorism capabilities through collaboration with countries that share common interests. We also welcome establishment in this resolution of an exception to the Libya arms embargo for vessels and aircraft to deliver items or to facilitate activities that are not covered by the arms embargo, most important to deliver humanitarian assistance. We are pleased that the Council has updated the designation criteria for individuals and entities destabilizing Libya through the illicit exploitation and The United States is committed to the people of Libya and intends to work closely with the Libyan Government, fellow Council members and all stakeholders to facilitate peace and prosperity for Libya and the region.

Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution initiated by the United Kingdom (resolution 2769 (2025)). Pakistan enjoys close and fraternal ties with Libya. We support Libya’s political stability and reconciliation efforts through dialogue and negotiation. We reiterate our commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. Well-defined and comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategies will fast-track the transition towards sustainable peace in the country. We firmly believe that the Libyan people’s destiny should be in their own hands. The assets freeze measures stipulated in the resolution are not meant to be punitive in nature; their main objective is to protect the assets for the benefit of the Libyan people at a later date. The frozen assets, which are indeed for the future benefit of the Libyan people, should be allowed to be reinvested to preserve their value and prevent their depletion. We are therefore happy that the recommendations pertaining to the investment of frozen Libyan assets of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya have been endorsed in the resolution we have adopted. We are also pleased that the suggestion supported by my delegation of copying all correspondence related to the frozen assets to the Libyan Mission has also been incorporated. Keeping the Libyan Mission in the information loop will enhance transparency. It is vital for the Security Council to send a message of solidarity to the Libyan people. The political reconciliation process should offer peace dividends to all citizens and focus on securing an equitable distribution of national resources. Concerted and sincere efforts can surmount every existing challenge. Pakistan believes that lasting peace and stability in Libya can be achieved by making the holding of free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections a priority. Pakistan will continue to support Libya, and the Libyan people will find in us a steadfast partner in their march towards prosperity and development.

The Republic of Korea extends its appreciation to the United Kingdom for its tireless efforts to reach consensus on this important resolution (resolution 2769 (2025)), updating the Security Council’s sanctions measures in Libya and renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Today Libya is facing multidimensional challenges created by the stalled political process, the fragile security situation and the growing influence of armed groups. The Republic of Korea voted in favour of today’s resolution so as to support the Libyan people’s efforts to overcome their current challenges and pave the way for a political process, building on some recent positive developments. In that regard, I would like to highlight the following points. First, we welcome the Council’s decision to approve the provision of technical assistance or training to Libyan security forces in order to enhance their security coordination in counter-terrorism and border and maritime security. We also expect that decision to promote the unification of the country’s security and military institutions. Thirdly, we believe that the language in the resolution struck a balance that reflects the Libyan people’s request that their values be preserved for the future benefit of all Libyans. We support the Council’s gradual and meticulous approach to the issue and look forward to its continuing review, based on the follow-up assessment of the Panel of Experts. We hope that the adoption of today’s resolution will help create an environment conducive to nurturing Libya’s long-overdue political process. We also emphasize the importance of ensuring that the Security Council speaks with a united voice in support of the political process in Libya in capitalizing on the recent positive developments, including the successful holding of municipal elections.

Denmark voted in favour of resolution 2769 (2025), which extends the sanctions regime for Libya, and we welcome its adoption. We believe that it reflects a good compromise among Security Council members and includes important and timely updates. We appreciate the United Kingdom’s steady hand as penholder and the strong engagement from the region. Across sanctions regimes, as with this one, Denmark particularly values the focus on introducing relevant exemptions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We also welcome the important new reference to resolution 2744 (2024) and the need to make good use of the focal point for delistings in order to enhance due process, which was a key priority for Denmark during the negotiations. We hope that the sanctions measures will aid in stabilizing Libya and pave the way for a prosperous future for all Libyans.

Panama voted in favour of resolution 2769 (2025) and supports the renewal of the sanctions established by resolution 1970 (2011) and the consequent renewal of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, which aims to promote stability and respect for human rights in Libya. We reaffirm our commitment to the efforts to stabilize the country. We would like to underscore that we support the renewal of these measures, and we continue to believe firmly that it is the Libyan people who should enjoy the sovereign right to manage their resources, including their financial wealth. With that in mind, we believe that economic sanctions could have an adverse impact on the Libyan people, who are already facing difficulties owing to their current situation. As we seek to stabilize and rebuild Libya, we understand that it is vital to take measures to safeguard the country’s assets and prevent them falling into the hands of actors who could undermine international peace and security. We therefore call for the sanctions to be targeted, with a clear and precise focus on the people and entities threatening peace and stability in Libya, without affecting the country’s citizens in general or their legitimate interests. We are grateful for the work of the Sanctions Committee and the United Kingdom as penholders of the resolution, and we reaffirm our commitment to continuing to work constructively to support Libya’s efforts as it moves towards stability and prosperity.

The Security Council has just adopted resolution 2769 (2025), granting a 15-month extension of the sanctions on illicit exports of petroleum from Libya and the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. China has always supported Libya’s efforts to restore lasting peace and stability, and we voted in favour of the resolution. The Security Council has imposed an assets freeze on the Libyan Investment Authority since 2011. Such measures have played a special role in a specific period. In addition, the resolution stipulates that the arms embargo no longer applies to the provision of technical assistance and training to the Libyan security forces. It should be emphasized that such cooperation must be limited to promoting the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions and must be carried out at the request of the Libyan Government, in strict compliance with the reporting and notification procedures. It must also ensure that the weapons and equipment temporarily brought into Libya for technical systems and training purposes do not proliferate in an uncontrolled manner or undermine the effectiveness of the arms- embargo regime.

I shall now make a statement on in my capacity as the representative of Algeria. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council plus (A3+), namely, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria. Allow me to start by extending our thanks to the United Kingdom for its commendable efforts in steering the discussion on the resolution that has just been adopted (resolution 2769 (2025)). Despite the imperfections of that resolution, the A3+ has voted in favour of it. We recognize the merit of many of its provisions and the significant progress that has been achieved in the resolution. The A3+ welcomes the Council’s first-ever decision to finally allow the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest its frozen assets in order to preserve their value for the benefit of the Libyan people at a later stage. In that regard, the A3+ is deeply concerned about the continuous erosion of Libya’s frozen assets due to misuse or mismanagement by certain international financial institutions. Those financial institutions should be held accountable, and the people of Libya should benefit from full reparations and compensation for such violations. The A3+ takes good note of the encouraging progress made on the delisting of sanctioned individuals and entities who no longer meet the criteria for designation. The fact that the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya will, from now on, copy the Permanent Mission of Libya in New York on relevant correspondence of the Committee is another improvement that will enhance the efficiency and transparency of our work as Council members and ensure that Libya is formally notified of developments regarding its frozen assets. The A3+ takes note of the amendment to paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011), allowing Member States to provide technical assistance for establishing the proposed coordination centre, as per the request of the President of the Libyan Presidential Council. That provision should be implemented consistently, in close coordination with and with the approval of the legitimate Government of Libya recognized by the international community. The A3+ stands in solidarity with the Libyan people, who have endured tremendous hardship due to miscalculations and hasty decisions made in the past by the Council. We call on the Council to take responsibility and support the Libyan people in every possible way, in particular by creating a conducive environment to hold free, transparent and inclusive elections that will enable them to shape a brighter future for their country. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Greece voted in favour and welcomes the adoption of the resolution (resolution 2769 (2025)), which strikes a balance between the sanctions, on the one hand, and issues that have been raised by the Libyan authorities on the other. In that context, we welcome the addition to the designation criteria of individuals and entities determined by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya to have provided support for armed groups and criminal networks through illicit exports. At the same time, the resolution addresses questions relating to the provision of support by Member States through technical assistance and training in order to enhance security coordination in Libya. We express the hope that this provision will contribute to promoting the process of the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions. In addition, the resolution introduces a new provision, according to which the arms embargo is not to be applied to military aircraft or naval vessels temporarily introduced into the territory of Libya solely to deliver items or facilitate activities otherwise exempted or not covered by the arms embargo, including humanitarian assistance, as well as arms and related materiel for defensive purposes under certain conditions. It is essential that this provision is implemented in good faith in order to prevent any abuses, which would have a negative impact on the peace process. Taking into account that it is a new provision, information on its implementation is also necessary. Furthermore, the resolution addresses concerns expressed by the Libyan Investment Authority in relation to the assets freeze measures. The relevant provisions of the resolution enable the reinvestment of the Libyan Investment Authority’s frozen assets under certain conditions while the assets remain frozen. Taking into account the protective nature of the assets freeze measures, the approach followed in the resolution is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Libyan people and preserving the value of the frozen assets for the benefit of the Libyan people at a later stage. Greece, as a neighbouring country, would like to once again echo the need to push forward the political process, aimed at achieving a strong, stable and unified Libya, free from foreign interference.