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By Sami Zaptia.
London, 7 June 2018:
In its latest statement on Libya yesterday, the Security Council backed the agreement reached by the conflicting Libyan parties in Paris last month for elections in 2018. It backed the Action Plan of UNSMIL head Ghassan Salame, as well as calling for unified security and sovereign institutions, and other reconciliation efforts by third parties – within the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement. The statement expressed concern on the humanitarian situation as a result of the fighting in Derna.
Here is the full statement:
The Security Council reaffirms its endorsement and full support for the United Nations Action Plan for Libya, reiterates its call for all Libyans to work together in a spirit of compromise in the inclusive political process under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ghassan Salamd, and underscores the importance of the role of the United Nations to facilitate a Libyan-led political solution to the challenges facing Libya.
The Security Council welcomes all efforts to strengthen an inclusive political dialogue among all Libyans, including important efforts by Libya’s neighbours, international partners and regional organisations within the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) endorsed by resolution 2259 (2015), and supports the Secretary-General’s call to consolidate the various initiatives under the leadership of the United Nations. The LPA remains the only viable framework to end the Libyan political crisis, and its implementation remains key to holding elections and finalising the political transition.
The Security Council expresses its concern at the humanitarian situation in Libya, especially in Derna, calls on all parties to exercise restraint, reiterates that all parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law regarding respecting and protecting civilians, and underlines the importance of safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian personnel to civilians.
The Security Council bears in mind that the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable and recalls the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya.
The Security Council takes note of the call by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on May 21 for elections to be held in Libya as soon as possible, provided the proper conditions are in place. In this spirit, the Security Council welcomes the ongoing technical preparations by the Government of National Accord and Libyan institutions, including the High National Electoral Commission, for national elections, including the successful first round of voter registration. The Security Council calls upon all Member States to urge all Libyans to work constructively to ensure that the required technical, legislative, political, and security conditions are in place for national elections, including a new round of voter registration, appropriate funding and security arrangements, and required electoral legislation, as well as to promote the meaningful and equal participation and representation of women in the political process, including in the election process.
The Security Council calls on all Libyans to improve the atmosphere for national elections by all means possible, including by working constructively towards the unification of Libya’s military and economic institutions; unified and strengthened national security forces, under civilian government authority; and the unifying of the Libyan Central Bank, and recalling the need for Member States to cease support to and official contact with parallel institutions that claim to be the legitimate authority but are outside of the LPA, as stipulated by it.
The Security Council welcomes the success of the first phase of the National Conference process launched by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General with the organisation of 42 meetings in 27 cities and towns in Libya.
The Security Council welcomes the organisation in a peaceful and organised process of the first municipal council elections since 2015 in the city of Zawiya on May 12, 2018, which mark the start of a series of municipal polls that will take place across the entire country.
The Security Council welcomes the momentum generated by the international conference on Libya hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29th, 2018, in the presence of Fayez al-Sarraj, President of the Presidency Council of Libya, Aguila Saleh, President of the House of Representatives (HoR), Khaled Meshri, President of the High State Council (HSC), and, General Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the LNA under the auspices of the UN and in the presence of representatives of the international community.
The Security Council welcomes the commitment of these parties, as set out in the Paris declaration, to work constructively with the UN to organise credible and peaceful parliamentary and Presidential elections, and to respect the results of these elections.
The Security Council recognises the key role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in consulting with Libyan parties to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt the necessary electoral laws.
The Security Council takes note of Libyan leaders’ commitments to advance these important steps within the timeframe set out in the Paris declaration and encourages all Libyans to work with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to implement them.
The Security Council also welcomes the recognition of these parties of the importance of developing, a constitutional basis for elections and reaffirms its support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as he consults with the Libyan authorities on a proposal and timeline for adopting the constitution.
The Security Council encourages all Member States to fully support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General and calls upon Member states, particularly those in the region, to continue to urge all parties in Libya to engage constructively with the IYN.
The Security Council notes the commitment of the participants to the Paris conference to organise an inclusive political conference to follow up on the implementation of the Paris declaration, under UN auspices and with respect for the timeframe and modalities determined by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
The Security Council requests the Secretary General to report as necessary, following consultations with the Libyan authorities, on UNSMIL’s support to the next phases leading to national elections.
Paris conference communique commits parties to December 2018 elections
HoR head Ageela Saleh reassures of his commitment to Paris outcomes
Serraj reassures of his committment to Paris outcomes within red lines and democratic process
