Delivered by: Mrs. Amiera AlHefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

At the outset, I thank Ms. DiCarlo and Ambassador Kamboj for their thorough briefings. We also welcome Ambassador Taher Al-Sunni’s participation in today’s session and thank him for his important briefing about the situation in Libya.

The UAE extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Ambassador and to the Libyan people, including the families of the civilian victims of recent Tripoli clashes as well as the fuel tanker accident that took place in Bint Bayah municipality earlier this month. Unfortunately, such incidents represent yet another aspect of the daily suffering of the Libyan people. In a security situation that has become increasingly dangerous due to continued armed clashes, particularly in the Capital, Libyans continue to face numerous other difficulties and crises – most importantly, issues related to the supply of energy, water, and electricity as well as high commodity prices.

The UAE condemned the recent armed violence in Libya and called on all parties to immediately stop all military operations. We also stress the importance of the urgent departure of all armed groups and militias from civilian areas in the city of Tripoli. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety and security of unarmed civilians, especially women and children, as well as civilian infrastructure and medical facilities. They must not be exposed to further danger.

We remined the concerned actors and all parties in Libya of their obligations under international humanitarian law and call on them to exercise utmost restraint and listen to the voice of reason to find a way out of this crisis. The UAE urges all parties to abandon discord, restore calm, engage in a meaningful dialogue, and prioritize national interest to restore security and stability in Libya. A return to fighting and escalation is not a solution; it will only bring devastation to all Libyans.

Mr. President, in light of the recent developments, we would like to focus our statement on the following four critical areas:

First, the UAE calls on all Libyan parties to take concrete steps to unify the military institutions and address lawlessness and fighting among armed groups in Tripoli and its suburbs. In this regard, we support the statement made by UNSMIL regarding the immediate need to cease hostilities and reiterate the UAE’s firm position on the importance of the simultaneous, phased, gradual and balanced withdrawal of all foreign forces, and fighters, and mercenaries from Libya. We also call for maintaining the gains achieved as a result of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement, the outcomes of the roadmap, and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Second, the time has come for the Libyan parties to make the necessary concessions to reach an agreement on the remaining contentious points in the draft constitution and to then hold parliamentary and presidential elections. These are necessary steps to end the stalemate in the political process. Considering recent developments, the reasons that obstruct the electoral process have become clear and apparent to all. The electoral process has been derailed by polarization, alliances, and shifting interests that do not serve the aspirations of the Libyan people and the hopes of the three million Libyan men, women, and youth who registered to participate in the elections.

We also stress the importance of the national reconciliation project, which is led by the Presidential Council and based on the principles of Libyan sovereignty and inclusiveness. The project plays a critical role in supporting efforts aimed at advancing the political process and sustaining lasting peace across all Libyan regions.

Third, in accordance with Security Council resolutions and the concerns of Libyans, the rights of the Libyan people and the protection of their resources and frozen assets should remain a top priority. We welcome here all steps taken to unify and de-politicize Libyan financial and critical institutions, including the energy and oil sectors. While prioritizing security and political situations in Libya, the economic situation should not be neglected as it plays an important role in supporting stability in Libya.

Fourth, we look forward to the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Libya, so that he can lead UNSMIL from Tripoli and enjoy sufficient consensus to support Libyans in their efforts to defuse tensions, and to advance the political process as well as the security and economic tracks.

In conclusion, we reiterate that the Libyan people deserve to live in peace. We hope that all Libyan parties will take into consideration the necessary measures to achieve the aspirations of their people and pave the way towards peace, security, and development in Libya.

Thank you, Mr. President,