By Sami Zaptia.
London, 13 February 2020:
UNSMIL today welcomed yesterday’s United Nations Security Council Resolution (2510/2020) endorsing the Conclusions of the International Conference on Libya held in Berlin; affirming the need for a lasting ceasefire; demanding full compliance by all Member States with the arms embargo; and, expressing unequivocal support for UNSMIL head Ghassan Salame and the ongoing UNSMIL-facilitated intra-Libyan dialogue.
UNSMIL said that with the passage of Resolution 2510, the Libyan people have received a strong signal that the Security Council supports their quest towards peace, stability and a brighter future.
Russia abstained in the vote. It said it had serious doubts about its effectiveness.
Yesterday’s UN Security Council resolution follows on from the 11 February resolution adopted extending sanctions on Libya related to the illegal export of crude oil and allowing member states to inspect vessels in open waters. The sanctions were extended until 30 April 2021.
The vote also extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts, which monitors violations of the sanctions until 15 May 2021.
Russia had also abstained on the vote, saying that it should be the Libyan people themselves who decide on oil exports.
