Security Council Press Statement Ahead of 25 June Elections in Libya

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly I. Churkin ( Russian Federation):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the holding of parliamentary elections in Libya on 25 June.  They emphasized that these elections are an important step in Libya’s transition towards stable democratic governance and an opportunity for the Libyan people to select a transitional Government that meets their legitimate aspirations.

They called on all parties in Libya to ensure that elections take place peacefully across the whole country and that all Libyans are able to exercise their rights to participate in these elections.

The members of the Security Council continue to follow the situation in Libya closely and remain gravely concerned by political divisions and the worsening security situation, which must be resolved through a revitalized political process.

They called on all political forces in Libya who reject terror and violence to engage in dialogue in order to forge consensus on the next steps and priorities of the democratic transition.  In this context, they underlined the importance of the work of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and its efforts to facilitate a meaningful Libyan-led national dialogue in Libya and strongly encouraged further steps forward in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.

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For information media • not an official record