Security Council Presidential Statement Says Libyan Political Agreement ‘Only Viable Framework’ to End Crisis, Finalize Political Transition

Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya, the Security Council today reiterated that the Libyan Political Agreement of 17 December 2015 remained the only viable framework to end the Libyan political crisis and that its implementation remained key to holding elections and finalizing the political transition.

In presidential statement S/PRST/2017/26, read out by Koro Bessho (Japan), Council President for December, the 15‑member organ emphasised the continuity of the Agreement throughout Libya’s transitional period and rejected incorrect deadlines that only serve to undermine the United Nations‑facilitated political process.

Reaffirming its endorsement of the United Nations Action Plan for an inclusive Libyan‑owned political process under the leadership of the Organization, the Council welcomed progress already made and looked forward to preparation for elections.  In that regard, it welcomed the launch of the registration campaign by the High National Elections Commission.

The Council strongly urged all Libyans to redouble efforts to work together in a spirit of compromise and to engage urgently and constructively in the inclusive political process.  It reiterated the importance of the meaningful participation of women throughout the process and reaffirmed that any attempt, including by Libyan parties, to undermine the Libyan‑led, United Nations‑facilitated political process was unacceptable.

Underlining the importance of unifying and strengthening Libya’s armed forces under civilian oversight, the Council further underscored the importance of Libya’s national economic institutions, reiterating that the Government of National Accord must exercise sole and effective oversight over those institutions, in accordance with Libyan law.

The Council also condemned recent violence across Libya, underscoring that there could be no military solution to the crisis, and called on all Libyans to respect the ceasefire, as called for in the Joint Declaration issued on 25 July.

The meeting started at 3:17 p.m. and ended at 3:23 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2017/26 reads as follows:

“The Security Council recalls its resolution 1970 (2011) and all subsequent resolutions on Libya.

“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.

“The Security Council reiterates that two years since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) on 17 December 2015 in Skhirat, the LPA remains the only viable framework to end the Libyan political crisis and that its implementation remains key to holding elections and finalising the political transition.  The Council emphasises the continuity of the LPA throughout Libya’s transitional period and rejects incorrect deadlines that only serve to undermine the Unite Nations‑facilitated political process.

“The Security Council reaffirms its endorsement of the United Nations’ Action Plan for an inclusive Libyan‑owned political process under the leadership of the United Nations as presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary‑General, Ghassan Salamé, in New York on 20 September 2017, in order to deliver the establishment of stable, unified, representative and effective governance under the framework of the LPA.

“The Security Council supports the sequencing of the Action Plan set out in the Chairperson’s Summary of 20 September 2017 and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, including a limited set of amendments to the LPA, welcomes progress already made under this process and looks forward to further implementation of the Action Plan including preparation for elections.

“The Security Council acknowledges the important role played by Mr. Fayez al Sarraj, Prime Minister and President of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord, as well as other Libyan leaders, in promoting national reconciliation.

“The Security Council strongly urges all Libyans to redouble efforts to work together in a spirit of compromise and to engage urgently and constructively in the inclusive political process, noting that further delay would only prolong the suffering of the Libyan people.  The Council reiterates the importance of the meaningful participation of women throughout the process.

“The Council welcomes, in this regard, the launch of the registration campaign by the High National Elections Commission.

“The Security Council urges the Government of National Accord and all Libyans to work towards the peaceful conclusion of the transitional phase.  The Council reaffirms its strong encouragement to the House of Representatives to draft and approve a new electoral law and encourages continued progress towards finalizing a new Libyan Constitution.

“The Security Council recalls paragraph 5 of resolution 2259 (2015) and reaffirms that any attempt, including by Libyan parties, to undermine the Libyan‑led, United Nations‑facilitated political process is unacceptable.  The Council underscores that Libyans should decide their own future without foreign interference.

“The Security Council underlines the importance of unifying and strengthening Libya’s armed forces under civilian oversight, and in that regard, takes note of the meetings held in Cairo that have aimed to achieve that goal.

“The Security Council further underscores the importance of Libya’s national economic institutions which must continue to function for the benefit of all Libyans and reiterates that the Government of National Accord must exercise sole and effective oversight over these institutions, without prejudice to future constitutional arrangements pursuant to the LPA, in accordance with Libyan law.

“The Security Council condemns recent violence across Libya, reiterates that all parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable and underlines the need for those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights to be held accountable.

“The Security Council further condemns all acts of terrorism in Libya and urges all Libyans to unite in their fight against terrorism under a unified, civilian Government.

“The Security Council underscores that there can be no military solution to the crisis and reaffirms the need for all parties in Libya to exercise restraint and refrain from any violence or actions that could undermine the UN-facilitated process.  The Council repeats its call on all Libyans to respect the ceasefire, as called for in the Joint Declaration issued after the meeting in Paris on 25 July 2017.”