‘No Military Solution to Crisis in Libya’, Secretary-General Stresses in Message,

Calling for Lasting Solution that Addresses Aspirations of Libyan People

 

Following is Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the fourth meeting of the Contact Group on Libya, today, 15 July, in Istanbul: 

I thank the Governments of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates for organizing and co-chairing this fourth meeting of the Contact Group on Libya, at which we will continue to review our collective efforts to respond to the evolving situation in Libya and ensure the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011).

Fighting between forces loyal to the Libyan Government and the opposition has now entered the fifth month.  As we have stressed in the past, there is no military solution to the crisis.  There must be a political solution.

Since our last meeting in Abu Dhabi on 9 June, the country is witnessing severe shortages in food, medical supplies and fuel, as well as lack of access to water services.  This is of serious concern, considering the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.  I hope that the international community will step in and provide urgent humanitarian aid.  I urge the Libyan parties to allow unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Finding a political solution to the crisis in Libya remains our top priority, and our efforts have intensified.  My Special Envoy to Libya, Mr. Abdul Ilah Al-Khatib, continues to lead efforts to get the parties to work for a political solution that would bring an end to the hostilities.  He is here with you today and will provide more details. 

I appeal to the international community to support the Special Envoy and send a unified message to both parties urging them to engage in direct negotiations, through my good offices to break the current impasse.  The United Nations system continues planning for peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.  Ian Martin, my Special Adviser to coordinate that planning, is here today, after a working visit to Benghazi.

I urge the international community to remain united in vision and purpose, to bring about a lasting solution to the Libyan crisis that addresses the aspirations of the Libyan people.

I thank you and wish you a fruitful meeting.

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For information media • not an official record