Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative

Unofficial Translation

Check against delivery

Mr. President,

I thank Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee for her comprehensive briefing, and we welcome the participation of Ambassador Taher Al-Sunni in today’s meeting.

We have followed recent events unfold across several Libyan cities with concern, including the escalation and recurrence of clashes between armed groups in Tripoli. We stress the need to avoid acts of violence and sabotage and for all parties to exercise utmost restraint. We also offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of last week’s clashes.

As the Libyan parties were unable to reach consensus on a number of issues in Libya’s draft constitution, which serves as the basis for the presidential and parliamentary elections, we note that the continued deadlock in the political process has disrupted the daily life of the Libyan people and their legitimate aspirations. It also has led to increasing frustrations that have impacted the current security situation.

It is important to maintain the momentum and progress achieved in the recent meetings held in Cairo and Geneva. In this regard, we call on all parties to put forth their best efforts to overcome the remaining contentious issues in the draft constitution. We also note here that the differences over these issues have persisted and delayed the fulfillment of Libyans’ demands. As such, reaching a consensus will end the transitional period and will lead to the holding of the elections on the date agreed upon by the Libyan people.

It is also important for all actors to commit to de-escalation and refrain from any provocative actions that would exacerbate the security situation. They must also cooperate to overcome the current divisions. In this regard, we stress the importance of keeping the coastal road open to ensure the free movement of people and goods between cities while avoiding any negative measures that may add to the suffering of the Libyan people. Furthermore, efforts must continue to ensure that all vital Libyan institutions and facilities are unified and not politicized.

Mr. President,

In order to achieve sustainable peace, it is imperative for all Libyan parties to join the National Reconciliation Initiative and work to unite and overcome past difference in accordance with the values of tolerance and justice. They must do so while using the appropriate mechanisms to achieve transitional justice. This initiative is essential to enhance confidence between all political parties. It will also help to achieve the legitimate demands of the Libyan people. The Security Council and the entire international community must spare no effort in supporting this initiative, which will be the first step in building a stable country for the Libyan people. We emphasize here the central role played by regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the African Union, in supporting the achievement of these goals.

We commend the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission for its tireless efforts to protect the ceasefire agreement. We also welcome the outcomes of the Commission’s recent meetings that were concluded last week, and we urge for continued efforts in this regard. Furthermore, we welcome the second meeting of the local and international ceasefire monitors facilitated by UNSMIL. We stress here the importance of the withdrawal of forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from Libya in a simultaneous, phased, gradual, and balanced manner, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and the resolutions of this Council.

We look forward to the renewal of the UNSMIL mandate in the coming days. We hope that this Council will adopt a substantive and integrated resolution that takes into consideration the critical situation in Libya. Similarly, we look forward to the Secretary-General’s appointment of a Special Representative to Libya that enjoys a broad consensus in order to bring all relevant parties together and contributes to advancing the political process led by Libyans.

In conclusion, we affirm our full support to achieve the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people. We hope that all efforts will be aimed toward overcoming current challenges to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous Libya.

Thank you, Mr. President.