Libya

Today, in a message to a forum being held by the Palestinian Rights Committee to mark 50 years of occupation, the Secretary-General said it was time to return to direct negotiations and resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, agreements and international law.

The Security Council today decided to extend until 15 November 2018 the mandate of its Panel of Experts on Libya — as well as sanctions related to the illicit export of petroleum — while adding “attacks against United Nations personnel” to the criteria for the ongoing travel bans and freezing of assets affecting individuals and entities in the conflict-wracked North African nation.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Ghassan Salamé of Lebanon as his Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

The Security Council reauthorized Member States today — acting nationally or through regional organizations — to inspect vessels on the high seas off Libya’s coast believed to be in violation of the arms embargo imposed on that country.

The situation in Libya remained tense, compounded by security, political, economic and humanitarian challenges requiring both regional and international support, the United Nations senior official in the country said today.

Speaking to reporters in Saint Petersburg, Russia, today, the Secretary-General said that climate change is undeniable, and added that climate action is unstoppable.  He urged all the Governments around the world to stay the course and to remain committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said today that it is concerned by the recent prosecution, arbitrary arrest, detention and ill-treatment of men perceived to be gay in Indonesia.  In the past two months, more than 150 men were reportedly arrested in Aceh, Surabaya and Jakarta and subjected to public humiliation.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Elbio Rosselli (Uruguay):

On 19 May 2017, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya held informal consultations to consider the final report of the Panel of Experts, submitted pursuant to paragraph 13 of resolution 2278 (2016).

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned following the military escalation at the Brak al-Shati air base in southern Libya.  He calls on all parties to exercise restraint and restore calm, and said that the continued insecurity in the country is a reminder that there is no military solution.