S/PV.9925 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/2025/333, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the France and Greece. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall first give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make state­ ments before the voting.

In his latest report (S/2025/257) on the implementation of resolution 2733 (2024), the Secretary-General highlights the fragile political and security environment in Libya. The capital, Tripoli, remains under the control of militias and armed groups, as underscored by the violent clashes of recent weeks, on which the Council expressed itself in a statement to the press on 17 May (SC/16064). Borders are porous and trafficking is proliferating. The arms embargo on Libya therefore remains fully relevant in helping Libya regain its sovereignty, unity, stability and control of its borders. In that context, the effective implementation of the arms embargo by all actors is es­ sential. The authorizations put in place by the Council since 2016 to allow Member States and regional organizations to inspect vessels suspected of violating the arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya fully contribute to that goal. That is an essential mechanism for the stability of Libya and the entire region. France and Greece, co-penholders on draft resolution S/2025/333, listened to the views of the Libyan authorities, with whom extensive consultations were held in Tripoli and New York. At the request of the Libyan authorities, France and Greece propose to renew for six months the mechanism put in place by resolution 2292 (2016) and amended by resolution 2733 (2024). It is on the basis of that resolution that the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI — solely responsible for operational im­ plementation — will continue to ensure compliance with the arms embargo on Libya. Deployed since 2020 off the Libyan coast on the high seas, it acts professionally, impar­ tially and effectively, while cooperating fully with Libya and neighbouring countries and alongside all Member States. The European Union will thereby be able to continue to make a concrete contribution to the stabilization of Libya.

I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and 2 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2780 (2025).

I have the honour to deliver this statement of position on behalf of the three African members of the Council — Algeria, Sierra Leone and Soma­ lia — as well as Guyana (A3+). The A3+ voted in favour of resolution 2780 (2025), which approves a six-month technical rollover of the authorization set out in resolution 2733 (2024), in order to imple­ ment the arms embargo related to Libya. We take note of the report (S/2025/257) of the Secretary-General highlighting the activities of European Union Naval Force Mediter­ ranean Operation IRINI during the reporting period, which included over 2,000 hailings and two interceptions. The A3+ expresses concern that, despite the efforts of Operation IRINI, the arms embargo remains ineffective. We therefore continue to call for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the arms embargo and for strengthening the role of the sanctions committee regarding the disposal and destruction or transfer of seized items. The A3+ believes that it is important to approach the implementation of Operation IRINI with a clear and honest assessment, particularly from the perspective of the Libyan people, so as to ensure that our collective engagement remains relevant and legitimate, while fully respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the unity of the State of Lib­ ya. We also trust that, within the next six months, the European Union will engage with the Government of Libya to strengthen coordination and ensure that Operation Irini delivers the desired results. That should include enhanced cooperation with the Libyan coast guard. Recent events in Tripoli have reminded us of the need for more concrete action in addressing the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of the arms embargo. Accordingly, the A3+ will continue to work with Council members to support efforts that halt the flow of arms into Libya to de-escalate the violence, protect civilians and ensure a return to peace and stability. In conclusion, the A3+ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, ter­ ritorial integrity and the unity of Libya. We stand ready to actively engage in any future discussions that contribute to the full implementation of this resolution for the benefit of the Libyan people and the stability of the region.

Slovenia welcomes the adoption today of a resolu­ tion renewing authorization for inspections on the high seas of the coast of Libya of ves­ sels suspecting of violating the United Nations arms embargo (resolution 2780 (2025)), as originally set out in the resolution 2292 (2016). We voted in favour of the text and thank both France and Greece for their efforts as co-penholders. The recent rapid deterioration and escalation of violence in Libya, which resulted in civilian casualties and serious damage to civilian infrastructure, is deeply regrettable. While the subsequent truce agreement has been very welcome — and we commend the role of Special Representative Tetteh and of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya — the situation in Libya clearly remains fragile and volatile. We were especially alarmed by the use of heavy weaponry by armed groups in densely populated areas dur­ ing the recent clashes. That exposed the crucial need to uphold the United Nations arms embargo and its enforcement mechanisms to prevent the illicit flow of weaponry into the country and throughout the region. That is a collective responsibility of the Security Council and of the international community. We view the resolution adopted today, which authorizes vessel inspections, as a concrete contribution to that shared goal. The European Union Naval Force Mediterra­ nean Operation IRINI is currently the only international actor carrying out that impor­ tant work, in cooperation with the United Nations, Libyan authorities and neighbouring countries. Operation IRINI represents a strong signal of the European Union’s commit­ ment and active support to security and stability in Libya, in line with relevant Security We believe that all Member States and regional organizations alike can complement the efforts of Operation IRINI, and we encourage them to do so, including by inspecting, in their own territories, cargo bound to or from Libya, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2025/257). It is welcome that, owing to today’s adoption, Operation IRINI will continue to implement its mandate for a further six months — and hopefully beyond. At a sensitive and pivotal time for Libya, we believe that today’s adoption is in our collective interest, and in particular in the interest of the Libyan people, as we attempt to forge political consensus and move the country away from the cycle of violence.

The Russian Federation ab­ stained in the voting on the resolution prepared by France and Greece (resolution 2780 (2025)) on the extension of the special inspections regime on the high seas off the coast of Libya so as to strengthen the effectiveness of the arms embargo on the country. We attach particular importance to international efforts geared towards ensuring painstaking compli­ ance with the Security Council’s sanctions restrictions on Libya. One of the key compo­ nents of that configuration could have been, inter alia, a special inspections regime on the high seas off Libya’s coast. When that regime was established in 2016, together with other Council members, we believed that the mechanism could become an effective instrument for combating illegal weapon deliveries to the former Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and, as a consequence, could have facilitated a de-escalation in the internal conflict in Libya. How­ ever, as time has passed, we are compelled to note that those goals have not been achieved. The practical implementation of resolution 2292 (2016) by the European Un­ ion Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI can hardly be deemed satisfactory. Since it began operations, in March of 2020, Operation IRINI, despite its declared activity, has never shown any convincing results with regard to intercepting smug­ gled military equipment being delivered to Libya. Throughout this entire period, there has not been a single incident that could unambiguously be deemed as a case a successful interception of prohibited cargo. Aside from the lack of concrete results from Operation IRINI, another cause for concern is its methods. It is completely unacceptable that the European Union has shown itself to be high handed when it comes to defining where patrols take place and what ves­ sels are inspected. Many abuses also occur during inspections. We note the non-trans­ parent activities of Operation IRINI, including as part of its engagement with the Sanc­ tions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). Reports are selectively submitted and often do not contain the necessary information. We are particularly con­ cerned by Operation IRINI’s arbitrary assessment of inspected cargo. Purely civilian goods are frequently classified as harbouring military potential, without sufficient ration­ ale. In a number of cases, decisions on the fate of seized cargo were taken in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including attempts to sell those goods and transfer them to third parties. Those actions not only stray beyond the confines of the mandate as per resolution 2292 (2016), but they also undermine trust in the mechanism, which is supposed to ensure compliance with sanctions measures under United Nations auspices. Meanwhile, the situation in Libya remains unstable. Its territory is awash with weapons, including heavy weapons, which was recently confirmed by clashes in Tripoli. During our meetings on Libya, many delegations regularly underscore the need to bolster the effectiveness of the arms embargo regime. We support those calls. But that raises a logical question: can we achieve genuine progress if such an important endeavour is in practice concentrated in the hands of one regional player, one that is not only not delivering tangible results but is regularly ensnared in various scandalous incidents? Against that backdrop, Libyans themselves make no secret of the fact that they are not satisfied with Operation IRINI, and they doubt whether it is worthwhile to continue it functioning.

The United States continues to support the effective implementation of the United Nations Libya arms embargo as we work to enable Libya to take responsibility for its own security. That authority is an important mechanism to allow Member States to enforce the arms embargo and prevent rampant weapons trafficking — a key priority articulated by the Council. We welcome further consultations with the Libyans about the arrangements going forward. We thank the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI for its dedication of resources to monitor and disrupt illicit activities off the coast of Libya. Operation IRINI serves a critical information-sharing function, especially with the Libya Panel of Experts.

Pakistan voted in favour of resolution 2780 (2025), which provides for a technical rollover of the provisions set out in resolution 2733 (2024), as we believe that the extension will provide an opportunity to address the existing concerns on the implementation of the arms embargo and to ascertain whether the sanctions regime merits renewal or if alternative Libyan-led mechanisms are required to be identified for the future. My delegation calls for a balanced approach during the extension period that ensures the effective implementation of the arms embargo while respecting Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We strongly advocate for close coordination and collaboration with the Libyan institutions and authorities concerned, as well as other relevant parties. Pakistan also believes that capacity-building and training of the relevant Libyan departments will contribute to the more effective implementation of the arms embargo while preparing them to undertake such operations independently in the future. Moreover, the Sanctions Committee should take the lead in implementing the arms embargo, particularly on matters related to the disposal of any seized items, while ensuring that measures are implemented transparently. In conclusion, as a brotherly country to Libya and its people, Pakistan reaffirms its firm commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. We will continue to contribute positively to the United Nations efforts to promote peace and stability in Libya.

China abstained in the voting on resolution 2780 (2025). I wish to make the following explanation. The arms embargo imposed by the Security Council is an important measure for the maintenance of security and stability in Libya and the region. China has always called on all parties to strictly implement Security Council resolutions and to work together to curb the illicit trafficking and proliferation of arms. In recent years, in accordance with resolution 2292 (2016), the European Union has made efforts and contributions by carrying out its Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI to monitor the implementation of the arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya. However, at the same time, a number of parties, including the country concerned, have expressed increasing reservations about the effectiveness of Operation IRINI. Many Council members have voiced their concerns on how the seized contraband items are disposed of. Under such circumstances, it is necessary for the Security Council to fully assess the mandate of Operation IRINI, listen carefully to the views of Libya and other relevant stakeholders and make timely adjustments in the light of the actual needs.

Denmark thanks the co-penholders  — France and Greece — for their extensive efforts in ensuring the extension of the authorization set out in resolution 2733 (2024), while working in close consultation with the Libyan authorities and with strong support from the Council. We are pleased that it has now been adopted. For too long, the proliferation of arms has fuelled conflict in Libya. As demonstrated by the concerning violent clashes between heavily armed groups in Tripoli earlier this month, there is an urgent need to stabilize the fragile situation in the country. Enforcing the arms embargo is a necessary means to that end. As the only operational regional mechanism implementing resolution 2733 (2024), the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI contributes to disrupting the supply of arms, creating a more conducive environment for a resumption of the political process. Through aerial, maritime and satellite assets, Operation IRINI has been working tirelessly to ensure accountability, while deterring further violations. In the absence of other enforcement and compliance mechanisms, Operation IRINI must be able to continue its essential work. With the extension of the authorizations set out in resolution 2733 (2024), we have ensured that impunity will not prevail. We urge all Member States to fully cooperate with Operation IRINI and to uphold their obligations under the arms embargo. Let me also reassure members that Denmark will continue to support the stabilization of Libya and a political process that can deliver a lasting peace.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Greece. As co-penholder, we would like to thank Council members for their support in extend­ ing the authorizations under resolution 2733 (2024), by adopting resolution 2780 (2025) to­ day. We believe that this six-month renewal provides an opportunity to engage with Council members as well as all relevant parties and stakeholders, in particular the Libyan authorities. We would like to stress the importance of the renewal of resolution 2292 (2016), as amended by resolution 2733 (2024), which constitutes the legal framework providing the authorization for inspections of vessels carried out under certain conditions on the high seas by Member States, acting nationally or through a regional organization. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/257), it remains critical that the arms embargo, com­ bined with the authorizations set out in resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2733 (2024), be strictly implemented in a comprehensive manner to prevent illicit transfers by air, land and sea. The latest developments in Libya are a testament to the importance of maintaining this important legal framework. We therefore support all actions that are conducive to strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. As an im­ partial and unique instrument, the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Opera­ tion IRINI provides a deterrence effect against arms smuggling and serves as an impor­ tant tool that concretely and effectively contributes to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo and the international efforts for peace and stability in Libya. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.