Security Council Press Statement on Libya

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kelly Craft (United States):

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in Libya.  The Members of the Security Council stressed the need for all parties urgently to de‑escalate the situation and to commit to a ceasefire.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support for the leadership of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary‑General Ghassan Salamé and for his work to resolve the conflict in Libya.  They welcomed ongoing international efforts in support of Special Representative Salamé to move forward a Libyan‑led and Libyan‑owned political process facilitated by the United Nations as well as to engage with Member States and the Libyan parties in the framework of Special Representative Salamé’s three‑step proposal to reinforce the United Nations endeavour.  They called on Member States and the Libyan parties to engage constructively with Special Representative Salamé as lasting peace and stability in Libya would only come through a political solution.  They recalled the commitment of the Libyan parties to work constructively with the United Nations as agreed in Paris in May 2018, in Palermo in November 2018, and in Abu Dhabi in February 2019.  They noted the ongoing efforts in support by the African Union, League of Arab States, European Union and others.

The members of the Security Council expressed particular concern regarding the reported breaches of the arms embargo set out by Special Representative Salamé in his briefing as well as the growing involvement of mercenaries.  They called for full compliance with the arms embargo by all Member States, in line with resolution 1970 (2011).  They called on all Member States not to intervene in the conflict or to take measures that would exacerbate the conflict.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on all Libyans to work constructively towards the unification of Libya’s military and economic institutions; establishing unified and strengthened national security forces under civilian Government authority; and a unified Libyan Central Bank.

The members of the Security Council reinforced the importance of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya.