Adopting Resolution 2273 (2016), Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Support Mission in Libya until 15 June

The Security Council today decided to extend until 15 June 2016 the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and in full accordance with the principles of national ownership.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2273 (2016), the 15-member Council recognized the need for UNSMIL to re-establish its presence in Libya and make the necessary security arrangements to that effect.

Also by the text, the Council requested that the Secretary-General report within 60 days following consultations with the national authorities on recommendations for UNSMIL’s support to the subsequent phases of Libya’s transition process, and for the Mission’s own security arrangements.

The meeting began at 10:04 a.m. and ended at 10:08 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2273 (2016) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) and all its subsequent resolutions on Libya,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,

“Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) (S/2016/182),

“Expressing its support for the ongoing efforts of UNSMIL and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate a Libyan-led political solution to the challenges facing Libya,

“Recalling resolution 2259 (2015) which endorses the Rome Communiqué of 13 December 2015 to support the Government of National Accord as the sole legitimate Government of Libya, that should be based in the capital Tripoli,

“Reiterating its support for the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement of Skhirat, Morocco signed on 17 December 2015 to form a Government of National Accord consisting of the Presidency Council and Cabinet supported by the other institutions of State including the House of Representatives and State Council, and welcoming the endorsement in principle of the Libyan Political Agreement by the House of Representatives on 25 January 2016,

“Recognizing the importance of continued inclusiveness and strongly encouraging all parties in Libya to be part of and engage constructively in good faith with the Agreement,

“Encouraging the Government of National Accord to finalize interim security arrangements for stabilizing Libya as a critical step towards tackling Libya’s political, security, humanitarian, economic and institutional challenges and to combat the rising threat of terrorism,

“Reiterating its request that all Member States fully support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and work with the Libyan authorities and UNSMIL to develop a coordinated package of support to build the capacity of the Government of National Accord, in line with Libyan priorities and in response to requests for assistance, and further reiterating its call upon all parties to cooperate fully with the activities of UNSMIL, including taking necessary steps to ensure the security and unhindered movement for the UN and associated personnel,

“Recognizing in the current circumstances, the need for a short extension of the mandate of UNSMIL, to enable the Mission to continue to assist the Presidency Council in further work in establishing the Government of National Accord, that should be based in the capital Tripoli, and implementing the Libyan Political Agreement,

“Recalling its determination in resolution 2213 (2015) that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“1.   Decides to extend until 15 June 2016 the mandate of UNSMIL, as set out in paragraph 12 of resolution 2238 (2015), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership, and recognizes the need for UNSMIL to re-establish its presence in Libya, and the need to make the necessary security arrangements to this effect;

“2.   Requests the Secretary-General to report within 60 days following consultations with the Libyan authorities on recommendations for UNSMIL’s support to the subsequent phases of the Libyan transition process and UNSMIL’s security arrangements;

“3.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”