Delivered by: His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

I thank the Special Representative, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, and Ambassador Kimihiro Ishikane for their comprehensive briefings, and I appreciate the intervention of Dr. Abeer Amnina.  I also welcome the participation of Ambassador Taher Al-Sunni in today’s session.

In the context of recent developments, I would like to begin my statement by expressing our hope for the Libyans to overcome the outstanding issues and reach the desired consensus on the necessary laws to proceed with legislative and presidential elections that end transitional stages and fulfill the aspirations of the Libyans for security and stability.

In this context, we stress the importance of ensuring the full, meaningful, and equal participation of women in these efforts, and safeguarding their safety and dignity.

We reiterate the importance of keeping the political process on track. This is essential to reach a permanent political settlement led and owned by Libyans, and to enable Libya to put the past behind it and end its internal divisions.

Therefore, it is important to continue the diplomatic efforts, including those sponsored by the United Nations.  The good office made by Mr. Bathily and his team play a vital role in bridging the views of the Libyans.  We also value the continuous efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Arab Republic of Egypt in providing a space for their dialogue, which contributed to the progress made on the constitutional track.

While efforts aimed to proceed with the electoral process are continuing, we emphasize the importance of focusing on national reconciliation and dialogue. National reconciliation and dialogue are necessary to build confidence between the parties, heal the rift, and achieve national unity, which is the key to ensure stability in Libya. In this regard, we support the efforts made by the Presidential Council, the African Union, and the League of Arab States to ensure the success of national reconciliation efforts that includes all Libyans.

Establishing security in Libya is also essential for building a stable state. In this connection, we welcome the meeting of the Security Working Group with UNSMIL Mission in Tripoli last May, as part of the continued meetings held by the 5+5 joint military commission in various regions of Libya.

These encouraging steps, accompanied with release of prisoners and reunification of families, demonstrate the determination of the military leaders to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and the commitment of the national leaders to participate in these meetings. We hope these steps will contribute to boosting the national morale among the Libyans.

Actual steps must be taken on the ground as well, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries in a simultaneous, phased, gradual, and balanced manner. The unification of military and security institutions across the country must also proceed. We again urge all parties to avoid any escalatory actions or practices threatening the (safety) of civilians.

We are fully committed to the international efforts aimed to support the security situation in Libya. However, we have concerns and observations about the effectiveness of the mechanisms that use authorization to implement the arms embargo, and the extent of compliance with it. Ignoring the positions and legal interpretations of the member states regarding the arms embargo and the selective application of it can undermine building Libya’s national capacities.

To maintain the gains achieved by Libya in countering terrorism, it is important that the measures adopted by this Council should not impede the efforts of the Libyan forces to address security threats, especially in southern Libya. Therefore, our Council is required to seriously consider the current sanctions regime and ensure that it reflects the current reality in Libya, and supports its national efforts, rather than becoming a disrupting tool.

In conclusion, the UAE reaffirms its support for Libya’s sovereignty, independence and national unity. We hope that all efforts will be aimed toward overcoming political divisions, putting Libyan interests above all, preserving and protecting Libya’s natural resources and frozen assets, and realizing the aspirations of the Libyan people towards building a sustainable peaceful state.

Thank you.