The United Nations Security Council has voiced its deep concern over the recent skirmishes that erupted in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Members of the council are calling on Libyan factions to back the endeavors of the UN Secretary-General’s Representative in Libya, Abdullah Al-Batilly, and to navigate beyond the disputes related to elections.
In a press release issued last Wednesday, the council members reaffirmed their “firm commitment” to the inclusive political process spearheaded by Libyans and facilitated by the UN. This approach builds on the progress made in negotiations and addresses issues regarding who will govern the country through elections.
The statement emphasized the council’s support for Batilly, particularly his role in mediation and his commendable efforts to enhance the overarching political process. This approach is in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, based on the Libyan Political Agreement and the roadmap of the Political Dialogue Forum. Moreover, progress made in the negotiations of the “6+6” Election Law Drafting Committee, aiming to implement viable electoral laws, was acknowledged.
Members commended Morocco for hosting the “6+6” Committee in Bouznika between May 22 and June 6. They urged the international community to offer full support to Batilly in fulfilling his mission. Furthermore, they called upon Libyan political institutions and key stakeholders to amplify their efforts in outlining a pathway to conduct free, fair, transparent, and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections across Libya as soon as possible.
The statement encouraged all involved parties to address their disagreements through dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation. This is to reach an agreement on politically contested issues related to the elections and to actively and transparently engage with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libyan-led negotiations facilitated by the UN mission.
Reiterating their call for all stakeholders to support guarantees related to the independence and integrity of the comprehensive electoral process and its outcomes, the council emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for civil society organizations to operate freely and be protected from threats and retribution.
Council members underscored the significance of undertaking a comprehensive reconciliation process based on transitional justice principles and accountability. They lauded the Presidential Council’s efforts to initiate the national reconciliation process with the support of the African Union.
Council members praised the High Financial Committee’s initiatives in managing revenues and pointed to the declaration aimed at enhancing the unification of the Central Bank of Libya. The Security Council reiterated its determination to ensure that assets frozen under its Resolution 1970, issued in 2011, become available to benefit the Libyan people in subsequent phases.
Lastly, the Security Council expressed “profound concern” over the recent violent clashes in Tripoli, highlighting the fragile security situation in Libya and the pressing need for advancements on both political and security fronts, including continued efforts by the Joint Military Committee “5+5”.
