Security Council Press Statement on Libya

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Cristián Barros Melet (Chile):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the 14‑15 January round of talks in the Libyan dialogue hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in Geneva and commended the personal mediation efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Bernardino León.

The members of the Security Council commended those who participated in the talks, aimed at finding ways to end Libya’s political, security and institutional crisis.

The members of the Security Council supported the resumption of another round of talks in Geneva next week and strongly urged all relevant Libyan stakeholders to attend.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya and called on all parties to cease hostilities to create a peaceful and conducive environment for an inclusive dialogue.  In this regard, Council members welcomed announcements of a ceasefire on 16 January.

In light of the talks proceeding in Geneva, the members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2174 (2014) and emphasized that the Sanctions Committee is prepared to sanction those who threaten Libya’s peace, stability or security or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition.

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