S/PV.9984 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/509, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. At this meeting, the Council will hear briefings by Ms. Tetteh and Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I now give the floor to Ms. Tetteh. Ms. Tetteh: Our meeting takes place after 26 Libyan municipalities successfully went to the polls on 16 August despite some significant challenges. I would like to commend the dedication of the electoral management body, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), their staff and teams in the polling stations and the security officials for making the elections possible. I would also like to call on all candidates to accept the election results as the choices made by their voters and, where there have been choices for change, to facilitate the transfer of power to the newly elected leaders. For those who maintain the confidence of their electorate, I would like to commend them on their leadership. Regrettably, not all municipalities that were expected to conduct elections were able to do so. In the morning of election day, the House of Representatives- appointed Government in the East gave instructions to suspend electoral processes in 16 municipalities, and across the east and south, voting materials were withdrawn from centres. This situation clearly exemplifies the challenge of having divided institutions and follows their earlier decision in July to suspend holding elections in 11 other municipalities, including Benghazi, Sabha, Sirte and Tubruq. I urge the de facto authorities in the East to allow the resumption of these elections as soon as possible. There were efforts to disrupt elections in some municipalities in the West. On 15 August, unknown individuals set fire to the HNEC offices in Zawiyah, destroying electoral materials. Those elections have been rescheduled for 23 August. After armed and arson attacks on the HNEC offices in Zlitan and Sahel Al Gharbi, respectively, elections proceeded smoothly. HNEC staff in Sahel Al Gharbi showed their commitment to conduct the polls by setting up their operations outside their burned offices in order to allow voting to take place. By the end of polling day, voter turnout was 71 per cent. This is a clear signal that the Libyan people are yearning to elect their representatives. In some cases, these were the first elections since 2014. However, the suspension of municipal elections in The advisory committee established in February by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), presented its report to us in May. Since then and over the past three months, UNSMIL embarked on nation-wide consultations on the advisory committee outcomes, which laid out proposals for holding national elections and unifying institutions. We engaged with key Libyan stakeholders in Government, visited cities and met municipal authorities. We also held town halls with broad cross-sectoral representation. Participation was high, with those present clearly expressing their democratic aspirations, as well as their frustration with political developments over the past few years. The goal of our consultations was to hear as many Libyan voices as possible to inform the development of a road map that is realistic, politically implementable and responsive to the concerns of the Libyan people. To further capture the views of Libyans and inform UNSMIL’s thinking on the road map, we conducted an online survey, inviting the public to share their opinions on the advisory committee’s recommendations. After more than 22,500 responses, and with the caveat that this poll was intended to provide an indication of respondents’ preferences, 42 per cent of respondents expressed their preference for simultaneous presidential and legislative elections with adjustments to the current electoral framework, as recommended by the advisory committee; 24 per cent for the formation of a constituent assembly to replace existing institutions; 19 per cent for the adoption of a permanent constitution before elections; and 12 per cent supporting the holding of legislative elections only. Libyan women and young people in our in-person and virtual engagements, as well as in the poll, reiterated their aspiration to meaningfully participate in determining Libya’s political future and emphasized the need for guaranteed representation, electoral safeguards and inclusion in the decision-making bodies. The message we clearly received was the desire to stop the cycles of repeated transitional periods; preserve and strengthen the unity of the country and its institutions, as well as to renew their legitimacy through presidential and legislative elections; and end what was frequently referenced as foreign interference. They demand a stronger voice through the political process to secure accountable governance, anchored in a permanent constitution. Based on the advisory committee’s recommendations, the feedback from the Libyan people, as well as lessons learned from the failure of previous efforts of UNSMIL to hold elections in 2021. We are convinced that the political process should focus on guaranteeing general elections and the unification of institutions through a sequenced approach. We propose a road map built around three core pillars. First, a technically sound and politically viable electoral framework aimed at holding presidential and legislative elections must be implemented. Secondly, there must be unifying institutions through a new unified government. And thirdly, there must be a structured dialogue that enables broad participation of Libyans to address the critical issues that need to be tackled in order to create a conducive environment for elections, shaping a shared vision and addressing long-term drivers of conflict, while underpinning short-term efforts to unify institutions and enhance governance in key sectors. This plan, we envisage, will be implemented gradually and as a package. The focus should be on a sequential process with milestones, in which each step facilitates the successful implementation of the next step of the road map towards the organization of national elections. I will not set artificial timelines, but I believe that an overall time frame of 12 to 18 months will be required for the successful completion of the road map, which will end with general elections and the following Following these two prior steps, which could be concluded over the next two months, at most, if there were the political will to do so, there should be agreement on a new unified government capable of creating a conducive environment for credible elections while managing key governance functions effectively. This will be accompanied by the implementation of critical actions to support the operational readiness of HNEC and address key issues around security, governance, economic management and reconciliation to facilitate the conduct of elections and will enable tracking the progress of the parties and institutions, including HNEC and security institutions. In parallel, UNSMIL will convene a structured dialogue to engage not just political and security actors, but also the Libyan people through the inclusion of civil society, academia, cultural components, women, youth and persons with disabilities and representatives from governance institutions to explore concrete solutions to ongoing governance challenges, issues that may hinder the electoral process and lay the foundation for a national vision that will shape the path to long-term stability. This dialogue will produce recommendations to shape immediate policy changes regarding the security sector, economic reforms and reconciliation and will feed into the constitutional process on governance issues, which Libyans have identified, through our continuous engagement, as critical and long overdue to address. Moreover, safeguards will be built into the road map so that if parties are delaying progress, alternatives can be pursued. As with municipal elections, there is always the risk that status quo actors may seize any opportunity to delay or derail the realization of the Libyan people’s democratic rights. Therefore, at any stage of the process, if there is obstruction by any parties, UNSMIL proposes to take any necessary measures and seek the support of the Council to ensure that the process we want to embark on now can bring an end to successive transitions. We concur with the assessment by the advisory committee that the current electoral and constitutional framework requires limited but critical adjustments by the House of Representatives in consultation with the High Council of State, in accordance with the procedure set out in the Libyan Political Agreement. In that regard, we welcome the resolution of the year-long dispute over the presidency of the High Council of State, through the election of a Presidential Bureau, which we hope will enable the Council to function effectively and play its role in the political process. I encourage all members of the High Council of State to re-engage so that their views are represented. The economic situation in Libya remains dire. Recent measures by the Central Bank of Libya and the Ministry of Finance, including the initial automation of public salary payments in the area under the authority of the Government of National Unity, a transparent foreign currency reservation platform and the licensing of official exchange companies, represent commendable steps to improve financial oversight and curb the parallel exchange market. However, their positive impact will be limited if parallel public spending processes persist and steps are not taken to address issues of corruption. UNSMIL reaffirms its call for a unified, realistic and balanced budget that reflects agreed priorities and promotes financial sustainability and monetary stability. I also urge all concerned entities that receive public salaries throughout Libya to adhere to the automated public salary payment system. UNSMIL documented 20 deaths in custody between March 2024 and August, with two occurring during this reporting period, including that of Abdel Munim Al-Maremi, a political activist, who died on 4 July while in custody in Tripoli, shortly after a release order had reportedly been issued. These cases are the latest examples of a widespread and persistent pattern of grave violations perpetrated across the country with impunity, including against migrants and refugees, in some cases fuelled by disinformation and hate speech. I urge the Libyan authorities to take the necessary measures to end these violations, and I am also alarmed by the forced return of migrants to conflict zones, including the Sudan. In Kufra, the number of Sudanese refugees exceeds the number of residents, and it is no surprise that this is a cause of tension. Conditions are dire, and we would like to urge the donor community to increase support for our refugee response plan. During our public outreach through in-person meetings, online engagements and polls, there were many Libyans who urged UNSMIL to adopt option 4 of the advisory committee report, which would essentially bypass existing institutions and have a new constituent assembly. We see this as an expression of the anger, frustration and lack of trust in their leaders’ and institutions’ willingness to end Libya’s successive crises. This is the result of 11 years without national elections to hold political office holders accountable to the Libyan people by giving the people the opportunity to vote and give concrete expression to their assessment of the office holders’ performance. What I am proposing is that working with these institutions  — even though I acknowledge that they are flawed  — is the fastest track possible to achieve elections, while holding them accountable in front of the Libyan people. Our proposed structured dialogue will allow for the Libyan people to be brought back to the centre of this process, and we will also continue to conduct outreach throughout the entirety of the process to keep Libyans engaged and informed of ongoing developments, including where we have our difficulties. I have no doubt that the path to the implementation of the road map will be filled with challenges. We will need the unequivocal support of the Council and other key external actors to contain spoilers and protect the process in order to prevent the mistakes of the past from being repeated. The international community has a critical role to play in helping the parties to engage constructively to make the necessary compromises for the benefit of the Libyan people. Going forward, I will continue to engage with members of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya, also known as the Berlin process, which remains a valid framework for international support for the political process. In conclusion, allow me to underline that the Libyan people look to the Council for help to ensure a solution to the crisis and support a political process that will result in elections and unified institutions, not a succession of transitional Governments. They look to the Council to hold spoilers accountable, including through sanctions if necessary. Its ability to support our engagement and to speak with one voice is a message that I have no doubt will resonate across the country. Respectfully, this

I thank Ms. Tetteh for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf.

In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to present a report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. The report covers the period from 20 February to 21 August, during which time the Committee conducted its work using the silence procedure, with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the sanctions measures. Since this is the first time that I address the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, allow me to express my gratitude to Japan for its steady Chairmanship of the Committee in 2023–2024. Council members will recall that, following the adoption of resolution 2769 (2025) on 16 January, through which the Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Libya until 15 May 2026, four members of the Panel were appointed on 18 March. With the appointment of an armed groups/international humanitarian law expert and a finance expert on 5 June, the Panel’s composition is now complete. On 15 August, the Panel of Experts submitted its interim report to the Committee, which will be submitted to the Council no later than 15 September. I will now turn to the activities of the Committee in the reporting period. With respect to the arms embargo, the Committee received three reports on vessel inspections conducted by the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, submitted pursuant to resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2733 (2024), and has notified the relevant flag States of the vessels inspected, in line with paragraph 10 of resolution 2292 (2016). Furthermore, regarding the arms embargo, the Committee did not approve a request for exemption from Jordan invoking paragraph 8 of resolution 2174 (2014) and has notified the Member State accordingly. The Committee has completed its consideration of an earlier request from Libya in relation to the import of armoured vehicles and has responded accordingly. In accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 1970 (2011), the Committee received a written report from Italy concerning the seizure of an uncrewed aerial vehicle, which is currently under consideration. In the reporting period, the Committee also replied to a query from Spain related to items prohibited under paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011). In the reporting period, the Committee also received a request for exemption from the arms embargo from Germany, which is currently before the Committee. Finally, pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2769 (2025), the Committee received two notifications from the United States concerning training aimed at promoting the process of the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions. Concerning the assets freeze, the Committee took no negative decisions in relation to five notifications, invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), four of which were submitted by Bahrain and one by France. The Committee received two additional exemption notifications from the United Kingdom, also invoking paragraph 19 (a), one of which was circulated for the information of the Committee members and another in connection with which the Committee has requested additional information. The Committee received additional information in relation to one additional notification from the United Kingdom and responded accordingly. In response to its previous request, the Committee received additional information from Luxembourg, submitted pursuant to paragraph 19 (a), and provided a response Furthermore, on the assets freeze, the Committee received additional information provided by Bahrain and Libya in relation to a previously submitted notification invoking paragraph 21 of resolution 1970 (2011) and is currently considering a response to the notifying State. The Committee also has before it a new notification from Bahrain submitted pursuant to paragraph 21, which is currently under consideration. Also concerning the assets freeze, the Committee responded to Bahrain’s previous request and to an earlier letter from the State of Libya, in relation to letters from the Libyan Investment Authority on assets freeze-related matters. The Committee also completed its consideration of two additional requests from Bahrain and responded to the notifying State. Currently, the Committee has before it one additional assets-freeze-related request from Libya. In connection with the informal consultations held by the Committee on 12 December 2024, the Committee issued a press release on 20 June. With regard to the informal consultations held by the Committee on 5 December 2024, the press release is still under consideration. With regards to the sanctions list, the Committee received a delisting request from Libya for one individual, and that request is currently under consideration. The Committee also received information from the Plurinational State of Bolivia concerning the steps taken in connection with the earlier removal of one individual from the Committee’s sanctions list. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the Committee’s commitment to contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in Libya.

I thank Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf for his briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Tetteh for her briefing and the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya for his update. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in our meeting. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom welcomes Special Representative of the Secretary- General Tetteh’s road map to advance the political process towards elections and a peaceful transition. Libya has remained in political deadlock for too long. The violence in Tripoli in May was a stark reminder of the risks of failing to make progress on the political track. The road map of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General provides a positive vision with careful balance to help deliver the peaceful, stable and prosperous country that the Libyan people deserve. Secondly, we now urge all Libyan stakeholders and the international community to fully engage with and support the road map in order to ensure its success. The delivery of free, fair, transparent and inclusive national elections would be a major step in Libya’s political transition, and we urge all actors to support this effort. We also welcome the road map’s incorporation of broader perspectives from the Libyan public through the structured dialogue. We encourage all actors to ensure that the And thirdly, we welcome last weekend’s successful elections in 26 municipalities. Municipal elections are a vital pillar of inclusive and accountable governance. Last month, the United Kingdom’s Minister for the Middle East and North Africa visited Libya and met with officials from the High National Electoral Commission, reaffirming our strong support for this process. But it is concerning that elections were prevented from taking place in several municipalities, denying many Libyans their democratic rights. We urge all actors to respect the rights of Libyans to elect their local representatives, uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that municipal elections proceed without obstruction. We look forward to continuing our close engagement with Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh, Libyan actors and international partners in support of building a stable, unified Libya with institutions that deliver for all.

We are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her report. We also listened carefully to the report of the Somali Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Once again, we are convinced that Libyans still cannot seem to overcome their divisions and instability. Against the backdrop of a protracted crisis of statehood and the stagnation of the authorities, their leading political players continue to show no willingness to find mutually acceptable options for the future of their own country. On the contrary, we note the incessant attempts by some players to shore up their positions by force, which threaten to undermine the efforts of the international community to normalize the situation in the country and to heap even more problems on its inhabitants. As a result, Libya’s economic problems are snowballing and further eroding the living standards and safety of the population, which have already been so unsatisfactory for the Libyans for the past 14 years, since the act of aggression by NATO in 2011. Libya, which has the largest natural hydrocarbon reserves on the African continent, is now facing a shortage of fossil fuels. The growing social discontent is leading to regular outbreaks of violence. Crime is also increasing before our eyes, with an increase in crime levels, including organized crime. It is of serious concern that violence is now affecting the political sphere, in particular in the recent armed attacks on the offices of the Libyan High National Electoral Commission in Zlitan, Zawiyah and Sahel al-Gharbi on the eve of the most recent round of municipal elections. We hope that Libyan leaders will recognize the importance of preventing further escalation and bloody clashes, including in large cities. We would urge all political forces in the country to refrain from taking steps that could complicate an already very worrisome situation. We welcome the ongoing work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, which met last week. We have high hopes for it in terms of restoring stability throughout the whole country. We favour a synchronized, balanced, gradual and phased withdrawal of all non-Libyan armed groups and military units, which would bring an end to the foreign military presence in the country. As we have seen, efforts to breathe new life into the political settlement process in Libya are still, unfortunately, bearing limited fruit. This should not discourage us because the international mediation community has a very ambitious goal, namely, to create appropriate conditions for holding nationwide elections and the subsequent restoration of the unity of the country, its authorities, its economic institutions and its armed forces. Here, UNSMIL has a particular role to play. This also pertains fully to the outlines of the future road map for the Libyan settlement process. The previous work to set out the contours for a settlement in this Arab country clearly demonstrates the urgent need to secure, in advance, unambiguous support from all influential players on the ground, without exception, including representatives of the former authorities. One can considerately suggest which way to go without trying to predetermine the final destination. Only then will the plan to bring the country out of crisis become feasible. We urge Hanna not to forget about existing intra-Libyan formats for facilitating the political process, including the intra-parliamentary 6+6 Joint Committee, as well as the national reconciliation track under the auspices of the African Union. The divergent interests of external actors regarding Libya are one of the reasons the political process is stalling in Libya. We urge responsible members of the international community to work together in their efforts to support the Libyan political settlement. It is important to build on proven, genuinely inclusive formats, such as the Berlin process on Libya. We are pleased to note that its work resumed in May. The main thing now is to continue in the same vein. This structure will either make a difference or prove to be completely destructive if certain participants, hiding behind the authority of one or other of the working groups, act in a non-transparent manner and use it to promote their own self-centred interests. We note that the problems surrounding frozen Libyan assets have recently become significantly more acute. Unfortunately, we see continued predatory attempts by certain foreign actors to capitalize on the vulnerability of these funds by exploiting loopholes in the parameters for their storage. Such actions are unacceptable, and the Council must effectively put a stop to them. The Libyans themselves have long been sounding the alarm on this issue, sending numerous complaints, including through the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Unfortunately, this subsidiary body does not always respond promptly to their requests. We would like to remind Council members that preserving Libya’s assets for the future benefit of the Libyan people is the direct responsibility of the Security Council, as clearly stated in its relevant resolutions. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering and unconditional commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, as well as to the objective of achieving long-awaited peace and stability in that country. We stand ready to continue providing the necessary assistance to our Libyan partners in this regard.

I would also like to thank Special Representative Tetteh for her informative briefing, as well as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for his update. I welcome the representative of Libya to our meeting today. Libya stands at a crossroads between finally moving beyond years of political deadlock or continuing down a path of stalled transitional phases and ensuing First, we welcome the new road map presented by Special Representative Tetteh as a framework for the path towards presidential and parliamentary elections. We thank the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for its efforts in presenting a road map based on thorough consultations with the Libyan public, stakeholders and leaders across the country. What is needed now is for all Libyans to come together to support the implementation of the road map and, ultimately, see Libyan democracy thrive. Civil society, youth and women must be an integral part of this process. We strongly reject any intimidation aimed at hampering electoral process. As Libya takes steps in preparation for the holding of national elections, the suspension of election operations in 11 municipalities in eastern Libya is a cause for concern. We urge all stakeholders to fully commit to the political process at a local and national level. My second point is that progress on the political front remains crucial in the light of the fragile security situation in Libya. As stated in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2025/509), the 2020 ceasefire largely continues to hold. We also note that the recent truce in Tripoli is largely abided by. However, de-escalation in Tripoli and other parts of the country is needed to prevent sparks of tension from reigniting into full-scale clashes, as we saw earlier this year. Parallel to efforts to revive the political process, it is key that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission continue the efforts to strengthen the implementation of the ceasefire. This also includes the full withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya. Lastly, my third point is that the downwards trajectory of Libya’s economy is a cause for concern. With increasing deficits caused by unregulated parallel public spending and continued disagreement on the national budget, there is a real risk of a continued erosion of Libya’s State funds. Exploitation of public oil revenues exacerbates this trend. Libya’s natural resources are vast and should benefit the Libyan public as a whole. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for economic transparency and a strengthening of independent oversight mechanisms. We urge the parties to agree on a national budget and ensure responsible public spending in line with Libya’s long-term needs. To conclude, Libyans deserve a voice in choosing their future. They deserve responsible leaders who respect and empower them to fully exercise their rights. They deserve to benefit from their country’s wealth and to live in peace with one another, with genuine prospects for a more stable and prosperous future. We underline our full support for UNSMIL and Special Representative Tetteh in their efforts to assist Libya, and we reiterate our call for all parties to cooperate constructively to allow Libya to thrive.

I thank Special Representative Tetteh for her briefing. I also thank the representative of Somalia, as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for his update. We welcome the role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in helping advance Libya’s political process, as Libyans work to build a brighter and more prosperous future. The United States remains steadfast in our support for Libya’s unity, sovereignty and stability. The United States continues to support efforts to unify institutions and chart a path to stability and prosperity through political dialogue and consensus among Libyans. The integrity and independence of key economic and oversight institutions continues to remain essential for Libya’s prosperity. It must also be a priority to finalize a unified national budget to preserve Libya’s economic stability, defend the value of the dinar and end harmful conflicts over revenue-sharing. We welcome deepening partnerships between United States and Libyan businesses and look forward to continuing to build on this growing momentum in the United States-Libya trade and investment relationship. In just the past month, we have seen agreements reached to enable offshore gas exploration and production and infrastructure development. These deals support the National Oil Corporation’s modernization efforts and could generate more prosperity for both the United States and Libya. Turning to sanctions, we appreciate today’s briefing on the activities of the Sanctions Committee, and we remain concerned about persistent violations of the arms embargo and illegal oil exports that fuel instability. The United States urges Member States to support effective implementation of the United Nations Libya arms embargo as we work to enable Libya to take responsibility for its own security. To that end, we welcome the May renewal of Operation IRINI’s mandate. This operation is an important mechanism to allow Member States to enforce the arms embargo and counter weapons trafficking. Operation IRINI also serves a critical information-sharing function, especially with the Panel of Experts on Libya. We encourage Member States, particularly neighbouring countries, to exercise this authority and support this operation to bolster enforcement of the arms and oil embargoes. We are committed to using sanctions to promote accountability and we urge the Panel to identify and investigate those involved in evasion of the arms embargo. We will utilize the updated designation criteria to account for individuals and entities destabilizing Libya through the illicit exploitation and export of petroleum. In closing, the United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Libya’s unity, sovereignty and stability. As Libyans work to build a brighter future, we stand ready to support Libyan efforts to foster political dialogue, strengthen and unify institutions, promote accountability and advance economic prosperity. We support efforts to bring Libyans together to reflect the realities on the ground, including the efforts of UNSMIL. On the Organization’s latest road map, we encourage all Libyan parties to carefully consider its contents and pursue all peaceful avenues to advance the political process.

I wish to start by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh for her comprehensive briefing, as well as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for his update. I also welcome the participation of the representative of Libya in this meeting. I would like to highlight four points. First, Greece fully supports the efforts of Special Representative Tetteh and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in marking progress along the political road map, which must be shielded from spoilers and foreign interference. We hope that the road map presented today will be conducive to overcoming the political stalemate and reinvigorate the process. The High National Elections Commission has a critical role to play, and its capacity to organize free, fair and credible elections must be strengthened accordingly. International initiatives, such as the Berlin process, can play a constructive role in supporting UNSMIL’s efforts. In that regard, neighbouring and regional countries that make positive contributions should not be excluded, as inclusivity is key to garnering broader international support. Secondly, the security landscape remains precarious, as the danger of rapid escalation is imminent. We welcome the Presidential Council’s efforts to maintain the truce in Tripoli, with crucial support from Special Representative Tetteh and UNSMIL. Recent episodes of heavy fighting in densely populated areas, civilian casualties and widespread protests highlight the urgent need to uphold the truce and prevent escalation. The continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries exacerbates volatility. Their withdrawal remains essential to restoring Libya’s sovereignty and long-term stability. There needs to be a clear timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, regular and irregular, as well as foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan soil, as their presence is not conducive to stability, the advancement of the political process in Libya and the holding of free, fair and democratic elections. Thirdly, violations of international law, together with the deterioration of Libya’s economy, are concerning. Respect for human rights law, attribution of accountability and reforms in the criminal justice system, coupled with the dismantling of trafficking networks, remain high priorities. Likewise, Libya’s stability is crucial for the control of illegal migration flows, an issue that remains a European Union priority, especially for member States with maritime borders in the Mediterranean. On the economic front, recent steps to unify the National Audit Bureau are positive. However, further progress is needed in unifying the national budget, strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring transparent and equitable use of resources for the benefit of all Libyans. Turning to sanctions, we would like to thank Somalia, as Chair of the 1970 Sanctions Committee, for presenting the report of the Committee’s work since 20 February. Greece will continue to support the work of the Committee, which makes an important contribution to the implementation of the sanctions regime, as provided by resolution 1970 (2011) and subsequent resolutions. We note with concern that repeated inspection refusals of suspected ships hinder the effective implementation of sanctions. The recent visit of the IRINI Commander to Libya — the first since the Operation’s establishment — demonstrates the potential for deeper cooperation and more effective enforcement of the Council’s decisions. In conclusion, last month the Greek Foreign Minister paid a productive visit to Libya, reaffirming our readiness to work with the Libyan people towards a more stable and prosperous future. As a neighbouring country with opposite coasts across the Mediterranean, Greece remains fully committed to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. We thank Special Representative Tetteh and her team for their work on the ground, as well as the staff of UNSMIL for their continued dedicated efforts towards peace and prosperity. The A3+ thanks Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh for her important briefing, particularly on the road map that has been proposed to resolve the political deadlock in Libya. We also thank Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf for his briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. I assure Ms. Tetteh and her team in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya of the group’s unwavering support. We reiterate our call for a credible Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process that leads to free and fair national elections and the unification of Libya’s State institutions. The Council is convening today for the eighth time this year on the situation in Libya against the backdrop of instability and a political deadlock whose resolution is long overdue. On the political front, the A3+ welcomes the successful holding of the second phase of municipal elections in 26 Libyan municipalities. This is a significant step towards a stable and democratic Libya. We commend the High National Elections Commission for its professionalism and dedication. We also call for the immediate removal of all impediments in areas where elections have been suspended, in particular in eastern and southern regions, and call for the prompt resumption of that vital democratic process. On the security front, the A3+ reiterates its urgent call for all parties to uphold the ceasefire and the security arrangements. We also emphasize the need to disarm all armed groups operating outside the framework of the State, as a prerequisite for ensuring civil security in Libya. We encourage, in this regard, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to continue its engagement and to strengthen the coordination to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Those efforts will significantly contribute to the unification of Libya’s national institutions. The A3+ expresses its deep concern about the worsening economic crisis in Libya and rising inflation rates, caused primarily by the absence of a unified budget and conflicting economic and monetary policies. The A3+ acknowledges Libya’s plans to launch international tenders, including in oil fields, and underscores the importance of transparency and ensuring that those projects serve only the interests of the Libyan people. Moreover, the A3+ is deeply concerned about the continued erosion of Libya’s frozen assets, mainly due to mismanagement and an outdated sanctions framework that prevents the sovereign wealth fund from growing or, at a minimum, preserving its value. That problem must be addressed. We also call for a swift implementation of paragraph 14 of resolution 2769 (2025), which authorizes the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest its frozen cash reserves. Those assets must be preserved to benefit the Libyan people in the future. A political solution in Libya will remain elusive as long as foreign Powers continue to use the country as a theatre for proxy conflicts and interfere in the national political process. We align ourselves with the communiqué issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 24 July calling for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, all foreign fighters and all mercenaries from Libyan territories. Libya’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. We appeal to all parties to promptly endorse and implement the Libyan reconciliation charter, signed in Addis Ababa in February. That charter holds the potential to pave the way for a united and sovereign Libya. In conclusion, the Libyan people are tired of delays and promises that never materialize. Between the hope of building a democratic State and the harsh reality of persistent division and fragmentation, Libya is caught in an endless cycle of transition that seems to serve all except its own people. Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria therefore urge the Security Council to shoulder its historical responsibilities and stand with Libyans in every possible way to shape a better future for their country.

I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh for her comprehensive briefing. My gratitude goes to Somalia for its leadership as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. Last Saturday’s municipal elections, with a high preliminary turnout of 71 per cent in the 26 municipalities, demonstrated the determination of Libyans to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders. Yet, concurrently, the suspension of the remaining constituencies, marred by political interference and attacks against electoral bodies, serves as a stark reminder that Libya’s status quo, characterized by political paralysis and persistent insecurity, remains extremely fragile. Unless this underlying reality is decisively addressed, Libya risks sliding further away from peace and stability. Having said that, I wish to highlight the following three areas in which the current status quo must change. First, with the presentation by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) of a new political road map, now is the time to put an end to the status quo of Libyan political deadlock stemming from the absence of a unified Government. We share the frustration of the Libyan people over prolonged divisions and key political institutions operating well beyond their legitimate mandates. Heeding the people’s clear demand for change, all parties must engage in good-faith dialogue towards a road map for elections and the adoption of a permanent constitution. During such efforts, inclusivity is essential. In that regard, we commend UNSMIL’s initiatives to ensure that voices from all walks of life across the country, including women and youth, are genuinely reflected in shaping the political road map based on the advisory committee’s recommendations. It is equally important to strengthen electoral security. We strongly condemn the recent attacks on the High National Elections Commission offices, which undermine voters’ rights and obstruct the democratic process. We also urge that the composition of the High National Elections Commission be completed without further delay and that the necessary financial resources be allocated for the elections. Secondly, political progress cannot take root without breaking free from another status quo: armed groups’ undue control of over Libya’s economy and security and the lack of unified State institutions. Illicit oil exports and fuel smuggling by armed groups continue to bankroll their operations, enable leverage over State institutions and perpetuate public insecurity. To end this vicious cycle, we reiterate that Libyan resources must serve all Libyans, through a unified national budget under transparent, The third status quo that we must end is the prevailing culture of impunity for human rights violations. Reports of torture, inhumane treatment and deaths in detention facilities are deeply troubling. Against this backdrop, we call on the relevant authorities to conduct credible, independent investigations and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. Alongside the reported abuse of political opponents, equal attention must also be given to protecting the increasing number of refugees and migrants, who remain highly vulnerable to such abuses. More fundamentally, Libya needs a civic space where human rights and freedoms can be robustly safeguarded. Recalling the attack on protesters in Tripoli last May, we once again underscore the vital importance of protecting freedom of expression. Despite many daunting challenges, there are indeed reasons for cautious optimism. These include the resumption of the Berlin process, renewed discussions on the UNSMIL-facilitated political road map and the election of the High Council of State’s new leadership. These steps must not remain fleeting. They must be transformed into genuine momentum towards Libyan-led, Libyan-owned progress. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering support for UNSMIL’s steadfast efforts to consolidate this momentum and steer Libya towards enduring peace, stability and democratic governance.

We too join colleagues in expressing our appreciation to Special Representative Tetteh and the representative of Somalia in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. We also welcome the representative of Libya to the meeting. At the outset, we wish to acknowledge the considerable efforts of the Special Representative and her team at the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to embark on a truly consultative process regarding the recently published report and recommendations of the advisory committee of independent Libyan experts. The views of Libyans from around the country and all walks of life, including women, youth and others in vulnerable situations, are essential building blocks for shaping a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. The Libyan people have expectations and aspirations, which should always take precedence over the desires of a select few in Libya who seek to maintain the status quo. We advocate for the continuation of open dialogue between civil society and the Mission. The recently conducted second batch of municipal elections clearly demonstrate that Libyans wish to return to the ballot boxes and choose their own leadership through peaceful, credible and inclusive processes. We commend the High National Elections Commission for its determination and professionalism, and we welcome the fact that these elections were held in an orderly and calm manner. However, it is deeply regrettable that the past weeks have seen attempts to obstruct this electoral process. We strongly condemn these attempts, whether acts of violence and intimidation or politically motivated manoeuvres. We call for elections in all outstanding municipalities to take place without further delay, with the full cooperation and support of the Libyan authorities. Every voter should be afforded the opportunity to have their say and to do so freely and safely, and it is the solemn responsibility of Libyan leaders to deliver on that. The international community and the Security Council must remain united in working towards this outcome. We welcome the reinvigoration of the Berlin process and its working groups, and we call on all actors — Libyan, regional and international  — to engage constructively and in good faith in United Nations- facilitated diplomatic efforts. We reject any external interference in Libya’s affairs and stress the importance of the full implementation of the October 2020 ceasefire agreement and the upholding of the United Nations arms embargo. Slovenia also calls for the consolidation of the truce agreement following violent clashes in and around Tripoli in May. The security situation in the country clearly remains fragile. We reiterate that only a political solution can secure a brighter future for Libya and its people. Finally, I would like to conclude by reiterating our full support for the Mission and its crucial role on the ground.

We thank Special Representative Hanna Tetteh for her detailed briefing. We deeply appreciate the Special Representative’s outreach towards fostering political reconciliation and stability in Libya. We thank the representative of Somalia for presenting the report on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. We welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. Libya is a brotherly country to Pakistan, and our two peoples have great affinity towards each other. We are heartened by some recent positive developments, such as progress towards the technical unification of the National Audit Bureau; the election of the President of the High Council of State; the revival of the Berlin process of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya; the submission of electoral road map proposals by the advisory committee; the holding of a second round of elections on 16 August in 26 out of the 63 municipalities; and enhanced coordination on border security between the authorities in the east and the west, which demonstrate that the challenges, however formidable, remain surmountable. We also note that the current report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/509) reflects certain negative trends, including an uncertain security environment in and around Tripoli, an absence of tangible progress in the political reconciliation process and relatively weak economic indicators. Against this backdrop, I would like to make the following points. First, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. A Libyan-owned and Libyan- led political process remains the only viable pathway towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the country. Secondly, we take note of the statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General outlining a road map and the political process, and we would appreciate more details on it. We reiterate the importance of a time-bound and clear pathway to political reconciliation, leading to national elections. Continued outreach to all political stakeholders and the general public will be instrumental in determining which proposal from the advisory committee is likely to gain maximum traction. The current sample size of the general public’s response to the poll conducted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on the four proposals is relatively small. While identifying the most broadly acceptable option Thirdly, on the security front, we encourage all Libyan stakeholders to address outstanding issues through an inclusive national dialogue. We acknowledge the complexities involved and firmly believe that UNSMIL should continue to play a proactive role in bringing all parties together, leading to lasting peace, also in and around Tripoli. Fourthly, we welcome the positive momentum in the technical unification of the National Audit Bureau. We believe that such an inclusive approach augurs well for arriving at a unified national budget, providing a much-needed boost to the economy. Lastly, we believe that it is essential to give due attention to the issue of the reinvestment of Libya’s frozen assets in order to preserve and safeguard their value for the future benefit of the Libyan people. In this regard, the provisions on reinvestment contained in resolution 2769 (2025) should be disseminated to all relevant institutions currently holding these frozen assets, in order to facilitate the Libyan Investment Authority’s work. Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at ushering in lasting peace and stability in Libya. We earnestly hope that all stakeholders will rise to the occasion and shoulder their responsibilities, and we encourage them to do so, in order to enable the Libyan people to realize their aspirations of peace and a brighter future.

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her briefing. I express our full support for the implementation of the road map. The fragile situation in Libya attests to the urgent need to relaunch the political process. I also thank the representative of Somalia, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for his report to the Council. I also welcome the presence of the representative of Libya. I have four points to make. First, following the deadly clashes that shook Tripoli in May and elicited our deep concern, the security situation in Libya remains precarious. France applauds the work carried out by the truce committees put in place under the auspices of the Presidential Council and with the support of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We call upon all political stakeholders and armed groups to refrain from any acts that could destabilize the country and to abide by the ceasefire. Civilians must be protected, and appropriate measures must be taken against the perpetrators of violence. The ceasefire agreement concluded in 2020 must be preserved across the whole of Libyan territory. We encourage all stakeholders, including the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, to continue performing their roles to achieve that aim and to promote the reunification of security and military institutions. The withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign combatants and mercenaries is also essential for the country’s stability and sovereignty. In this fragile context, we call upon all stakeholders to fully respect the arms embargo on Libya. The violence in May showed just how important it is to ensure the full implementation thereof. In that regard, I recall that the European Union’s Operation IRINI is the only initiative with a mandate to implement the arms embargo in Libya and thereby to contribute to the fight against trafficking. Thirdly, the relaunch of the political process must be coupled with urgent economic reforms. The deterioration of the economic situation is fuelling instability. It is urgent for an agreement to be reached on a unified budget. It is also necessary to ensure the transparency, neutrality and accountability of economic and financial institutions and the independence of audit and oversight institutions. Fourthly and finally, the human rights situation in Libya remains extremely worrisome. Cases of arbitrary arrest, detention and enforced disappearance must be investigated fully. We call upon the Libyan authorities to protect civil liberties and to improve the protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. In conclusion, France will continue to support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to enable Libya to recover its sovereignty, unity and stability. We stand ready to support the implementation of the road map, and we call upon all stakeholders to cooperate with Special Representative Tetteh.

I thank Special Representative Tetteh and Chairman Yusuf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting. The Libyan political stalemate has not ended, and the security situation remains fragile. The international community should focus on the root causes of the problem and make joint efforts to address the complex challenges facing Libya. Let me make the following points. First, advancing the political process is the fundamental way out. For a long time, achieving national unity has been the general aspiration and the urgent expectation of the Libyan people. The international community should jointly push the parties concerned to hear the voices of the people, show sincerity in resolving their differences and build consensus on holding elections. Special Representative Tetteh has done a great deal of work in this regard. China welcomes that. China also hopes that the Special Representative will continue to strengthen communication with all parties and ensure that the political road map submitted to the Security Council is fully accepted by all parties and is effective on the ground. Local elections bring hope and lay the foundations for national elections and political change. China welcomes the recent successful holding of local elections in 26 municipalities in Libya, but expresses its concern over attacks on electoral offices in many places. We encourage the parties concerned to continue to advance elections in other municipalities. The international community should provide the necessary funding Secondly, maintaining national stability is a top priority. Recently, there has been some easing of tensions in Tripoli and other areas, but the situation is still fragile. Last month, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council held its Assembly of Heads of State and Government, reaffirming their support for restoring peace and stability in Libya. China appreciates the efforts made by the AU. Given the current situation, the international community should call on all parties to effectively implement the ceasefire and maintain stability in Tripoli, while pushing for the disarmament of armed groups and the achievement of lasting security arrangements. Continued support should be given to integrating military and security institutions in eastern and western Libya and accelerating the withdrawal of foreign troops, combatants and mercenaries. The issue of illegal refugees and migrants has long affected Libya’s social stability. China encourages the United Nations, the AU and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and jointly help Libya address this persistent problem. Thirdly, promoting economic stabilization provides an important foundation. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/509) indicates that Libya’s oil exports are generally improving, the dinar exchange rate is relatively stable, and its National Audit Bureau is making good progress in unifying technical standards. China welcomes such progress. At the same time, we should also be aware that a prolonged absence of a unified budget and a serious fiscal deficit in Libya are obstacles to its economic development. The international community should support Libya in promoting the reform of public financial management and achieving a unified budget as soon as possible. This past January, the Security Council adopted resolution 2769 (2025), allowing the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest frozen cash reserves. The relevant financial institutions should implement this resolution and should not remain unresponsive to Libya’s reasonable demands, let alone illegally erode the common wealth of the Libyan people. Libya has rich resources and great potential, but has endured years of continual conflicts, stalled progress in the political process and the persistent suffering of its people. Peace and development are the major trends of the world. A prosperous, well-governed Libya is in the common interests of all parties, and it will bring more opportunities for the region and for the world. We hope that all Libyan parties will put the overall interests of the country and its people above everything else and strengthen unity and cooperation. We also hope that foreign countries will keep in mind the overall development of Africa and jointly lift the Libyan situation out of its stalemate for a brighter future. China reiterates its support for the work of Special Representative Tetteh and that of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Next month, Secretary- General Guterres will submit to the Council a strategic review of UNSMIL. We expect to see practical recommendations from the review on optimizing UNSMIL’s mandate and structure to enhance the Mission’s quality and effectiveness, so as to better support peace and stability in Libya. As a good friend of Libya, China is ready to work with the international community and play our constructive role in resolving the Libyan issue.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Panama. Panama appreciates the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, and recognizes and admires her leadership at the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We reiterate our support for UNSMIL’s mandate and her commitment to political dialogue in Libya. We also thank The Secretary-General’s recent report makes clear that Libya continues to face an extremely complex crisis. Institutional fragmentation, armed violence, mistrust among citizens, persistent foreign interference and risks stemming from regional tensions demonstrate the fragility of the current difficult state of governance. In this context, we stress the urgent need for a clear, viable and results-focused road map to guide a timely electoral process with a view to holding free, inclusive and legitimate presidential elections as soon as feasible. We acknowledge the encouraging developments in the electoral process, with the recent holding of municipal elections in 26 municipalities. However, we regret that they could not be held in several areas of the country owing to alleged political interference. Nevertheless, the exercise will allow the electoral authority to prove its ability to coordinate the process. The use of tactics to disrupt electoral processes constitutes a violation of the fundamental political rights of voters and undermines the foundations of a legitimate democratic transition. Panama recognizes the efforts of the advisory committee of Libyan experts, with the technical support of UNSMIL, to establish viable pathways for national debate and to advance in the implementation of such a road map. This, in addition to establishing an electoral calendar, should represent a new pact between the State and its citizens, as well as a key tool for redefining the bases of power and facilitating an orderly democratic transition. We recognize the complexities and risks of attempting to hold the elections, once minimum conditions are in place to allow the process to take place. In this context, and given the weariness of the suffering Libyan people, owing to their prolonged wait, it is worth asking whether it would be appropriate to consider the risky possibility of holding elections, with the least possible delay, once the minimum conditions are in place to enable an electoral process that, in any case, would serve as a pressurizing factor to promote the foundations of the long-awaited national reconciliation. Panama reaffirms its support for an electoral process leading to unified, representative and functional institutions, and stresses that such a process must guarantee the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth as key elements for genuine national representation. With regard to the sanctions regime, we underline that it should be an instrument of stabilization, not an obstacle to economic recovery. Any measures must be proportionate, justified and regularly reviewed, avoiding adverse effects on the civilian population and the functioning of the State. The regional dimension of the conflict merits the attention of the Council. Of concern is the alleged involvement of external actors in southern Libya and reports of the use of Libyan territory as a platform for unauthorized military operations in border areas. Panama takes note of the resumption of diplomatic efforts. We welcome the reactivation of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya, in Berlin, with the support of UNSMIL, as well as the recent talks between Libya, Türkiye and Italy to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of governance and security. We also Libya’s recent history is marked by ongoing opportunities that have yet to be seized. We must therefore move forward through concrete action in line with the principles of upholding sovereignty, promoting dialogue and supporting robust and legitimate institutions. Panama renews its commitment to an inclusive and timely political solution as it recognizes that the creation of stable conditions in Libya can be accomplished only through commitment and the conviction of a truly democratic process that enjoys the sustained backing of the international community. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Libya.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important meeting. We also thank the representative of Somalia for his work during his chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. We wish Somalia every success, and we thank Ms. Hanna Tetteh for her briefing. We would like to thank the United Nations envoy and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya team for their efforts over the past few months. They have held numerous meetings in various Libyan cities and sought to gauge the opinions of different segments of the Libyan population in order to better understand what they want. We are grateful for these efforts. However, we would also like to point out that the announced findings are merely samples of the views of Libyan society. They can be used but are not necessarily sufficient to gauge the views of all Libyans throughout the country. That would undoubtedly require more comprehensive and accurate methods, and options and initiatives should not be limited to such a simple sample. We have taken note of the plan that Ms. Tetteh presented today. It is clear that we will not be able to comment on it until it is further clarified and studied, as there are certainly many questions that come to mind. The plan needs further direct discussion with Libyans and with various political bodies and leaders. In that context, we must reiterate that any future political process, whatever form it may take, must take into account the following five points. First, we must work to put an end to the transitional phases and not repeat the mistakes of the past. It is important not to again lose the trust of the Libyan people in the Mission’s work. That trust is now in jeopardy due to the numerous envoys over the years, and this vicious cycle and past experiences have only resulted in more crises and conflicts. Secondly, any dialogue must include representation of all active political actors, without exception. It must objectively integrate all segments of Libyan society and be built on respect for the Libyan Political Agreement, signed in Skhirat and Geneva, as well as the institutions emanating from them and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Thirdly, we must prepare a clear road map, with a specific timetable, to hold direct, free and transparent public elections as soon as possible. These elections must have a constitutional foundation and fair, enforceable laws that can restore legitimacy and unify State institutions — be they executive, legislative or sovereign. Fourthly, we must maintain the security and stability that has been achieved — even if only relatively recently — and ensure that any new political process takes that Fifthly, there must be effective accountability for saboteurs, whether individuals or States. The absence of such accountability has rendered all previous United Nations initiatives and plans — and even the resolutions of the Council — meaningless. As a reminder, when the Geneva agreement was signed, the road map was intended to last eight months, and there was a package of expected deliverables. What happened? After 3 million voters registered and everyone was ready for the process, these elections were torpedoed just days before they were due to take place. To this day, we have not seen or heard any reaction towards those who sabotaged or obstructed this process or those who supported them in that effort. What guarantees are being offered today by the Council and the international community for any new electoral process to succeed, as was supposed to happen in 2021? The executive authority and the institutions in place at the time would have come to an end. There was no conflict then over which Government would actually govern. Unfortunately, what happened, happened, and there was no serious reaction. Despite the challenges facing the country, the recent experience of successful municipal elections, particularly in the western region in more than 84 municipalities, in two stages, under the supervision of the High National Elections Commission and with the support of the Government and its security agencies, demonstrated the ability of Libyans, as all speakers have mentioned today, to hold free and transparent elections if the right conditions are in place and to overcome any violations that may occur. Unfortunately, as Ms. Tetteh and others mentioned today, municipal elections were suspended by the local authorities in several areas in eastern and southern Libya one day before they were due to be held, without any clear reasons expressed to date. This shows and proves that any electoral process in Libya can be successful if there is political will. Why then are the international community and the Security Council silent on this? They are being tested. Their silence on the failure to complete municipal elections in Libya sends a negative signal that the same position will be taken with regard to future elections. It is also important to support all efforts to adopt a unified budget and establish financial arrangements that respect national laws and legislation, as well as the working mechanisms of the institutions emanating from the Libyan Political Agreement. The continuation of parallel spending will create financial duplication that deprives the State of its ability to plan and will provide a fertile environment for corruption. This illegal and unmonitored spending will waste public funds and deprive citizens of improved basic services. What every Libyan wants is to see all those efforts and initiatives directed towards building a State of institutions and law, ensuring the State’s monopoly on the use of force and imposing its sovereignty over all Libyan territory, as well as putting an end to all forms of foreign presence. In that regard, we ask the Security Council and the international community to support the efforts of the executive authority — embodied in the Presidential Council, the Government and their relevant bodies — to establish security, combat crime, fight terrorism and to put an end all types of armed groups and criminal networks operating outside the law. That will bolster our efforts to restore the prestige of the State and its institutions and end all attempts at blackmail, terrorism and crime. We also call for support for the security committees recently formed by the Presidential Council to restore calm, as well as for all efforts to protect the borders and combat human trafficking, fuel and arms smuggling and other crimes and to Libya is still experiencing grave human rights violations, most notably arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, which have taken place in several areas in Libya and have targeted many activists and politicians and most recently affected members of the House of Representatives. That is a flagrant violation of the rule of law and the Libyan people’s right to life and freedom of expression. We therefore urge the Council to fulfil its responsibilities by clearly and unequivocally condemning those violations, regardless of the perpetrator or where they take place, and to bring pressure to bear on the responsible parties to reveal the fate of the disappeared and support national and international mechanisms and the complementary role between them in holding the perpetrators of those crimes accountable and putting an end to impunity. We cannot speak of a successful political process while impunity persists, and crimes must be punishable. In conclusion, we remind the Council and Ms. Tetteh once again that we are at a critical moment in the crisis in our country. And Libyans, based on their past experiences, do not hide their doubts about the initiatives, road maps and other measures that have been put forward. Ms. Tetteh now has a moral responsibility to the Libyans because of what they have suffered since their subjection to measures under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations over the past years. Everyone knows that the crisis in Libya is not a legal crisis, but an essentially political crisis, which has been exacerbated by the extent of years of negative interference. One must only look at the list of countries participating in the Berlin process, for example, to see the number of the countries directly or indirectly interfering. We are in favour of constructive international support, but unfortunately there has been negative interference by many, and Libya has become a proxy battlefield. The issues we are discussing today and have discussed in the past, including illegal immigration, the proliferation of weapons, terrorist and armed groups, human rights violations, and oil smuggling and other types of smuggling, are simply symptoms. There will be no solution to the crisis unless efforts are focused on a comprehensive political settlement, genuine reconciliation and a drastic solution that puts an end to interference and division, brings stability to the region and restores legitimacy to the people through free and transparent elections and the creation of a permanent constitution for the country. And Ms. Tetteh always reminds us, we need effective support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned solution.

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