YouSaid · the spoken record

Bathily

lines on the record: 200
first: 2014-12-10
most recent: 2023-12-18
sittings or episodes: 13
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Community leaders, stakeholders, political parties, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, the business community, the 5+5 JMC and other prominent military and security actors express their full readiness to ensure peaceful, inclusive and successful elections. The High National Elections Commission is also technically ready to start preparations for the electoral process. The national mood is ripe for a new political deal in Libya, a new dispensation for a brighter future for the country. One group of unwilling officials clinging to their seats must not be allowed to fail the people of Libya and put the region at the risk of further chaos.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Reports by the Central Bank of Libya and other oversight bodies are clearly showing growing public expenditure through questionable procedures, while the high financial committee established by the Presidential Council has yet to become fully operational. In conclusion, allow me to say that, with the exception of a few political office holders whose terms of office have expired and who are keeping the country hostage to their particular ambitions, Libyans of all walks of life express their strong aspiration for a unified Government to lead the country to elections, legitimate and unified institutions, peace, stability and the unity of the country.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Yet again, dozens of migrants and asylum seekers drowned last Saturday when their boat, departing from north-western Libya overturned in the central Mediterranean Sea. I express my deep condolences to their families and wish a speedy recovery to the survivors. Also, collective expulsions of migrants and refugees into Libya and from Libya to neighbouring countries continue, with conditions in detention centres becoming increasingly dire. Forced expulsions are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and must end. Despite the enormous wealth of their country, Libyan citizens are being increasingly exposed to economic and social hardships. Their demands for the end of corruption and mismanagement are loudly echoed from all corners of the country.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Members of political parties, academics and activists continue to languish in detention in Benghazi, Sirte and Tripoli, without access to justice. Over the past nine months, security actors arbitrarily detained at least 60 individuals, including children, for their actual or perceived political affiliation. The real number may be much higher. That not only infringes their fundamental rights but also erodes the rule of law in Libya and further reduces public trust in the justice system and political process. I reiterate that a thriving civic space, where Libyans engage through dialogue, dissent and mutual understanding, is critical for the political process. The humanitarian situation of migrants and refugees remains a grave concern, as is our ability to ensure their protection and human rights.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“The south remains a hunting ground for different armed groups, mercenaries and illicit entrepreneurs. From 7 to 9 November in Tunis, with the co-Chairs of the Security Working Group of the Berlin process, UNSMIL facilitated a retreat of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), a key partner of the Mission that is committed to Libya’s unity. It examined progress in the 2020 ceasefire agreement and discussed other provisions, including the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries, the implementation of which is compromised by the political stalemate in Libya and the degenerating situation in the Sudan and the Sahel region. I continue to be concerned with the ongoing restriction of civic space and arbitrary detentions.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“While the ceasefire continues to hold, sporadic armed clashes and other security incidents continue to be recorded in each of the regions. On 29 October, heavy clashes erupted in the city of Gharyan — 100 kilometres south of Tripoli — between two coalitions of local armed groups. The fighting ended quickly, although it reportedly resulted in injuries, loss of life and damage to public and private property. During the past few months, military expansion in the western region, with a particular focus on the border crossings of Ras Jadir and Ghadames, led to increased tension in nearby cities such as Zuwara — adjacent to Ras Jadir — and Ghadames. The repeated pattern of such incidents in the east and the west highlights the necessity for sustained stability and unity of military and security institutions.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“More than three months after the devastating floods, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have reached over 203,000 people with humanitarian assistance and continue to work with Libyan authorities to ensure full, unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need. As the flood response moves to early recovery and reconstruction, the United Nations is engaging with Libyan authorities, affected people and development partners on the need for a coordinated national platform for the reconstruction effort. I urge political leaders, in the east and the west, to recall the unity and solidarity shown by Libyans at the onset of the Derna crisis and establish a coordinated national platform for reconstruction in the best interests of people whose lives and livelihoods have been severely affected by this disaster.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“I cannot understate the importance of a unified regional and international front to maximize the chances of success for this process. I am also grateful for the expressions of support received and thank the Council for its unanimous renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate, through resolution 2702 (2023), and for reiterating support for my good offices and mediation role. The absence of unified and legitimate State institutions operating for the benefit of the people was a contributing factor to the scale of destruction and tragic loss of life caused by Storm Daniel in Derna and surrounding areas in September.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“I have invited those stakeholders to share their proposals on how to resolve the remaining contentious issues through a truly inclusive, Libyan- led, Libyan-owned and peaceful process. Throughout my meetings, at least two messages were consistently conveyed: first, an ever-stronger call for elections to take place as soon as possible; and secondly, a sense of extreme fatigue and disenchantment with the delaying tactics of some political actors. In addition to extensive bilateral engagements with representatives of international partners in Tripoli, I travelled to Algeria and Morocco in late November and to Tunisia in early December to seek their support for United Nations efforts. That builds on my visits earlier this year to Qatar, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. Other appointments are pending on my agenda.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“The formation of a unified Government to lead the country to elections, required by the electoral laws and welcomed by Libyan citizens on all sides, can be realized only if the major actors act in a spirit of political compromise, with a renewed commitment to the unity of their motherland, Libya. We must avoid a repeat of the August 2022 situation, when the formation of a Government led to a violent conflict resulting in the death of many Libyans. In parallel to my efforts described earlier, and to ensure a more inclusive process, I continue to consult with other segments of Libyan society, including political parties, notable persons, security actors, civil society, cultural groups, women, youth and the business community.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“I learned of the Cairo meeting on 16 December among the President of the Presidential Council, the House of Representative Speaker and the Libyan National Army Commander and have taken note of the ensuing acknowledgment of the mediation role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). As members will see, some Libyan leaders continue to drag their feet and do not, for now, show a decisive commitment to end the long-standing stalemate that has caused so much suffering for ordinary Libyans. Electoral laws alone cannot make elections happen if relevant actors are not genuinely committed to their implementation.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Takala, has submitted the names of its three representatives to the preparatory meeting, despite his initial rejection of the version of the electoral laws published by the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Mr. Al Dabiba, also submitted the names of the Government of National Unity representatives. While ready to discuss outstanding issues on the electoral laws, he categorically rejects any discussions on a new Government. Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar is ready for dialogue but has conditioned the Government of National Unity’s participation on the inclusion of the House of Representatives- appointed Government. Alternatively, he would agree to participate if both Governments were excluded.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“I am pleased to report that none of the institutional players outright rejected my invitation. However, some have set out conditions for their participation. The Presidential Council has shown clear and concrete support. President Menfi is displaying his good will and exploring every way to make this dialogue successful. I will continue working with the Presidential Council on this effort. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Agila Saleh, has conditioned his participation in the agenda, focusing on the formation of a new Government for elections, while also rejecting the participation of the Government of National Unity and Mr. Al Dabiba. The President of the High Council of State, Mr.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“To that effect, in November, I formally invited the heads of five key institutions — the Presidential Council, the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, the Government of National Unity and the Libyan National Army — to a meeting in the coming period. Those chosen actors have the capacity to either reach consensus and advance the political process or prolong the stalemate and prevent Libya from holding peaceful elections. Their rivalry and lack of trust lie at the core of this prolonged crisis and stand in contradiction with the unity ordinary Libyans long for. As a first step towards the five major actors’ meeting, I have requested them to nominate three representatives each to participate in a preparatory session to agree on the parameters of the meeting of the principals, including the date, venue and agenda.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Mr. Bathily: Since my most recent briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.9438), on 16 October, laws number 27 and 28 on the National Assembly and presidential elections were published by the House of Representatives in the official gazette on 1 November. For the first time since the elections failed in December 2021, Libya has a constitutional and legal framework for elections in place, considered technically implementable by the High National Elections Commission. We must now build on this important achievement. As I already indicated to the Council, to enable successful elections and prevent a repeat of December 2021, the remaining politically contested issues can only be overcome through a political settlement among the main Libyan institutional stakeholders committing in good faith.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“I call on all stakeholders, including major leaders, to meet and agree on a binding political settlement towards a peaceful electoral process, the backbone of which will be a unified Government able to lead Libya to elections. UNSMIL stands ready to facilitate that process. Finally, I also reiterate my call on all international partners of Libya to support the electoral process as the only way to provide the country with legitimate institutions and a future of peace, unity, stability and prosperity. Such an outcome is long-awaited by Libyan citizens, who wish to close the chapter of conflict and risks of disintegration in their country. The ongoing crises in the Sudan, the Sahel and the broader region, and their potential spillover effects on Libya, constitute serious threats that must not be taken lightly.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Since my previous briefing, I have engaged with the major stakeholders at the institutional level and Libyans of all walks of life to encourage them to display their goodwill and good faith in regard to the success of the electoral process. Only the genuine commitment of all to serving the interest of the people for peace, stability and prosperity can produce a positive electoral outcome. Laws alone cannot, and will not, make elections happen. They must be supported by the buy- in of a wide range of stakeholders, including the major institutional players, but also military and security actors, political parties and candidates, community leaders, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, media professionals and other constituencies.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The controversy between the House of Representatives and the High State Council over the laws, the highly contentious issue of the new Government, the linkage between the presidential and parliamentary elections and the possibility of misuse of the conditionalities attached to the mandatory second round of the presidential elections put the whole electoral process at risk of another political crisis, which could lead to a remake of the December 2021 scenario or the August 2022 crisis. In that regard, and in line with UNSMIL’s conflict-prevention mandate, I wish to alert members to the risks of violent conflict involved in a unilateral appointment of a Government by any of the rival parties, and I call on the Council to use its influence to prevent that dangerous occurrence and to mobilize the Libyan parties for dialogue.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“I would like to commend the positive role and moral responsibility taken by tribal leaders in diffusing tensions across Libya, as seen in Tripoli in August and Benghazi last week. I call on those community leaders to strengthen their role as actors of peace and national reconciliation. To conclude, the finalization of the electoral laws by the 6+6, in spite of the remaining issues to be fine-tuned and agreed upon through political compromise among the major players, offers the opportunity to break the current stalemate in Libya However, the rejection of the amendments made by the 6+6 after Bouzniqa by the High State Council constitutes a political option that risks jeopardizing the hard-won gains of the two chambers. I call on the High State Council to renounce that position, which risks obstructing the electoral process.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Thanks to the intervention of community leaders, the situation has calmed down for now. I call on all to embrace de-escalation through dialogue and to place the principles of the protection of civilians at the centre of their operations. The human rights situation remains worrying, with continuing attacks on civic space and the rule of law, which is contributing to the deterioration of the overall situation. Arbitrary arrests and detentions, including of members of political parties and think tanks, have also been recorded across the country. I am equally concerned about the systematic deportations and mass expulsions from Tunisia into Libya of migrants and asylum-seekers, who are in desperate need of international protection.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The rejection of the amendments made by the 6+6 committee after Bouzniqa by the High State Council does represent a political option, but it risks jeopardizing the hard-won gains of the two Chambers and the compromise that they have achieved. A fragile calm has returned to Tripoli, although tensions persist between Tripoli-based armed groups. The inherent precariousness of the dynamics between those security actors reinforces the need for an inclusive political process. In Benghazi, the Libyan National Army’s attempt to arrest the former Minister of Defence in the Government of National Accord, Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi, led to armed clashes in densely populated areas of Benghazi. The fighting that occurred between 6 and 8 October resulted in several casualties, material damage and a communication shutdown for almost a week.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Regrettably, the gender provisions for the Senate elections also remained unchanged, with only six seats out of 90 allocated to women in the Senate. The electoral laws provide that the elections have to take place within 240 days of their entry into force. However, the High National Elections Commission has informed UNSMIL that the implementation of the electoral laws will begin only once the issue of the new Government is resolved, in line with article 86 of the law on presidential elections and article 90 of the National Assembly law. Finally, there are disagreements between the House of Representatives and the High State Council about the electoral laws. The High State Council disputes the amendments to the electoral laws that were adopted by the House of Representatives and insists that the Bouzniqa version should prevail.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“It also stands to reason that creating a level playing field for all candidates requires a unified Cabinet that enjoys public trust to lead the country to elections. However, if we are to avoid a repeat of the August 2022 crisis unleashed by the unilateral appointment of the Bashagha Government, it is essential to ensure that the new Government is the outcome of political negotiations among the major players. The deletion of articles allowing holders of administrative numbers to register and vote, which were included in the June version of the draft electoral laws, may pose additional challenges to the implementation of elections in the south of the country and limit the inclusivity of the elections.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“It is linked to the eligibility criteria and illustrates the deep mistrust among the political class. It could potentially be misused to exclude candidates from the second round, question a potential majority result and disrupt the whole electoral process. The linkage between the presidential and parliamentary elections is also an issue. While the presidential and legislative elections can be held on the same day, subjecting the validity of the parliamentary elections to that of the presidential elections results from an unspoken political statement and runs a high risk of disrupting the process. Another highly contentious issue is the formation of a new Government, which can only be the result of a negotiation among key actors.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“From a technical perspective, the revised laws are an improvement on the previous drafts, with several concerns identified by the Elections Commission and UNSMIL. They include voting eligibility for members of the military and clarity on the sequencing of elections, on seat distribution in the Senate and House of Representatives and on the electoral dispute resolution mechanism. From a political perspective, the most contentious issues highlighted in my briefings in June (see S/PV.9351) and August (see S/PV.9402) remain unresolved, notably the mandatory second round of the presidential elections. Contrary to common practice, that provision requires that the two front-runners in the presidential elections participate in a run-off, irrespective of the percentage of votes won by each.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Despite enormous pressure and difficult deliberations in Bouzniqa in Morocco, as well as in Tripoli, Benghazi and the other cities in Libya where they met, the members of the committee achieved compromise on many contentious issues. The revised electoral laws were issued by the House of Representatives on 5 October and officially received by the High National Elections Commission on 9 October. UNSMIL commends the committee for its efforts and welcomes the progress that has been made. The Council is aware that UNSMIL has consistently advocated for electoral laws that are technically and politically implementable. In the light of that, there are some observations to be made about the new electoral laws.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Different initiatives are being conducted in the east and the west in that regard. From the outset, UNSMIL has called on the leaders to establish a unified national platform to assess the damage and undertake the reconstruction project, as the related costs will be borne mostly by Libyan national resources. Most international partners have expressed their readiness to support such a national mechanism as an instrument of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Uncoordinated initiatives could lead to further disappointment for the citizens of Derna and Libyans generally, who are hoping to see a quick recovery and efficient reconstruction in the bereaved areas. I am pleased to announce that there has been some progress on the electoral process. The 6+6 committee completed its work early this month.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The Derna disaster has revealed severe governance deficits through several issues, such as the lack of maintenance of the dam systems, the inadequate management of resources and the lack of an effective mechanism for disaster management and prevention. On the top of those issues, the absence of unified political decision-making at the national level made matters more challenging. Had those governance issues been resolved at the national level, they would have mitigated the impact of the tragedy. I am deeply concerned about the continued divisions among the leaders of Libya with regard to the reconstruction of Derna and surrounding affected areas. The rivalries and competition among leaders continue as to which entity will exert exclusive authority over the reconstruction efforts.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The Libyan National Army mobilized its structure and established an operational room to support the activities of the rescue teams. In a remarkable show of solidarity, many armed formations from the west joined their colleagues from the east. Despite the lack of national coordination among different institutions, their individual mobilization immediately after the tragedy augured a national momentum of unity inspired by the disaster. I would like to commend Libya’s international partners, from the region and beyond, for the prompt and efficient support they provided to the Libyan people during this tragedy.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“As the focus of response efforts transitions to early recovery and reconstruction, United Nations agencies have undertaken initial assessments of the damage, needs and requirements ahead of the next phase, which is aimed at supporting people to get their lives back to normal as soon as possible. The Derna disaster has shown the spontaneous and admirable unity, solidarity and compassion of ordinary Libyans across the country. At the institutional level, the Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity stood ready and mobilized to receive the support, just as the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives-appointed Government, in their respective capacities, backed the rescue operations.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“In my visit to Derna a few days after the storm, I saw at first hand the magnitude of the disaster and heard from families about their houses and their losses, including from individuals who lost all loved ones. I saw an apocalyptic scene, where large portions of the city were literally swallowed up by the water. In support of the affected families and local communities, United Nations agencies and local and international partners were on the ground within hours of the storm, providing life-saving assistance and conducting search-and-rescue operations. Some six weeks after the floods, the humanitarian assistance provided by more than 24 humanitarian organizations has reached more than 146,000 people in need of humanitarian support and basic services.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Mr. Bathily: I have the honour to address the Security Council today for the first time since Storm Daniel hit Derna and the surrounding areas on 10 September. I wish to express my condolences to all Libyans who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. The Derna tragedy is unprecedented in Libya’s recorded history. I visited the affected area with the Deputy Special Representative and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya and other members of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) leadership team. The human and material cost of that disaster is beyond imagination. In Benghazi, I visited the families displaced from the devastated city. Here in Tripoli, I also attended the funeral ceremony organized by relatives of the deceased and missing persons. Thousands of lives were lost as a result of this tragedy.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“I once again repeat my call for all the regional and international partners of Libya to speak in one voice and act accordingly to respond to the aspirations of the people of Libya for peace, stability, prosperity and national unity.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Without an inclusive political agreement that paves the way for peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections across Libya, the situation will worsen and cause further suffering to the Libyan people. I therefore call on the political and moral responsibility of all leaders to close the open-ended interim arrangement, break the current impasse and stop frustrating the Libyans’ legitimate aspiration for elections, peace and prosperity. I also count on the strong support of the members of the Council to use their influence, individually and collectively, to ensure the full commitment of Libyan leaders to the negotiation that is required to advance our shared objective — the stability of Libya and its neighbours.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“On 13 July, the United Nations and the Libyan Government convened a high-level event on national efforts in advancing the SDGs, including under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2025. In conclusion, upholding Libya’s stability is even more critical now in the light of the recent clashes in Tripoli, the regional turmoil in the Sudan and the Niger and the combat that took place in the Tibesti region, in the south, a few days ago, between the Chadian army and armed elements. The current events in Libya and the region demonstrate that interim arrangements are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries. It is fundamental to restore Libya’s stability to preserve regional security.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I remain concerned about the serious humanitarian and human rights situation of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers at the Tunisia-Libya border. While I note the recent agreement of the Tunisian and Libyan authorities to relocate several hundred individuals, people continue to be pushed across the borders in remote desert areas, facing dire conditions with no access to food and water. I call for an end to expulsions and urge the Tunisian and Libyan authorities to ensure that people are sent to safe locations and to allow the United Nations and partners humanitarian access to all locations. I am pleased to report that preparations for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September by the Libyan Government are well under way.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I remain concerned about the ongoing human rights violations, including abductions, arbitrary arrests and disappearances in both east and west. I reiterate my call for an immediate halt to those practices, for the release of persons arbitrarily detained and for independent investigations. I note the recent partial access accorded to UNSMIL to a detention centre in Tripoli and call for more consistent access to places of detention throughout the country. I commend the Presidential Council’s national reconciliation efforts under the leadership of Vice-President Abdullah Al-Lafi and supported by the African Union, including a preparatory meeting organized on 19 and 20 July in Brazzaville for a national reconciliation conference to be held by the end of the year. Women’s participation at every stage of that process remains imperative.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“On 25 July, UNSMIL co-chaired with Italy a plenary meeting of the Security Working Group of the Berlin Process International Follow-Up Committee in Benghazi. Libyan stakeholders, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and international partners discussed the evolving political and security dynamics hampering tangible progress in the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the reunification of military institutions and the withdrawal of foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries. Once again, it will be essential for all parties to preserve the security gains achieved in recent years. To that end, UNSMIL will continue to engage relevant actors in advancing the reunification of military and security institutions, as a sine qua non for lasting stability in Libya.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“They undermine the ongoing efforts to cultivate a security environment conducive to elections and highlight how urgent it is to establish legitimate authorities and unified military and security institutions in the country. Armed groups and security actors that commit violence against civilians must be held accountable. In addition, the unconstitutional change of Government in the Niger has sparked concerns over a potential spillover into Libya, as has happened with the Sudan. As a pre-emptive step, the Libyan National Army closed the border with the Niger on 26 July and deployed reinforcements to the border zones. As with the crisis in the Sudan, the situation in the Niger is a cause for concern for the entire region.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Fortunately, other armed groups in Tripoli and its environs chose to remain neutral, which prevented the fighting from spreading. The clashes ended when a truce was brokered jointly by local elders, Prime Minister Al Dabiba, the Presidential Council, General Mohamed Al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, and leaders of neutral armed groups. I engaged with the Prime Minister and other relevant actors to urge them to take the action needed to stop the fighting. We condemn the clashes and the resulting loss of life, and we express our sympathies to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery. Those developments underline the absence of command-and-control over the fragmented security apparatus in western Libya and the precarious state of the security situation.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I urge the financial committee to turn its discussions into effective action to achieve transparency, accountability and equity in State expenditures and the Central Bank to continue its efforts to reverse the effects of a divided public financial system. The fragile stability that had prevailed in Tripoli since last year was shattered by fierce armed clashes on 14 and 15 August between the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DACOT) and the 444 Brigade, two of the largest armed groups in the capital. The fighting was triggered by DACOT’s arrest of the 444 Brigade’s commander at Mitiga airport, reportedly linked to personal rivalries. At least 55 people were reported killed during the clashes and more than 100 injured, including an unspecified number of civilians.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The measures that have been taken to effect the reunification include the integration of eastern and western deposits, the integration of the eastern and western settlement systems and the relocation of the Deputy Governor from the eastern branch to the Central Bank headquarters in Tripoli. Both the establishment of the high financial committee and the positive steps towards the reunification of the Central Bank have given us cautious optimism that with political will, Libya’s stakeholders can come together in an inclusive manner to address issues of common concern for the greater good of the nation.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The efforts to put in place a Libyan-owned mechanism for the transparent management of public funds have finally yielded a positive result. I welcomed the Presidential Council’s decision of 6 July to create a high financial management committee tasked with overseeing public finances and promoting fairness, accountability and transparency in public spending, which will also help to ensure that public funds are not used to create an uneven electoral playing field. In the same spirit, on 20 August, Al-Siddiq Al-Kabir, the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, stated that the reunification of the Central Bank as a sovereign Libyan institution has been finalized.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“On 6 August, Mohammed Takala was elected President of the High State Council following internal elections in that chamber. He replaced Khaled Al-Meshri, who had been in the position since 2016. I held an initial meeting with the new bureau of the High State Council and conveyed UNSMIL’s continuing commitment to supporting Libyans in their search for a way out of the current stalemate. It is more important than ever for Libya to conclude its current chapter of institutional fragmentation. Its citizens are yearning for unified political, military, security, economic and social institutions to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and national identity. In that regard, a unified Government agreed on by the major players is imperative for leading the country to elections.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Presidential Council President Menfi informed me three days ago about his meeting in Benghazi with House of Representatives Speaker Agila Saleh and Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar to explore concrete progress on the political track. I have urged the key Libyan institutional players to meet and agree on the politically contested issues pertaining to the elections. As I have repeatedly indicated to them, all election-related issues should be resolved through discussions and compromise between all relevant actors. As experience has shown over the past 10 years, unilateral steps must be avoided at all costs if we are to avert further violent conflict. The electoral landscape should be a level playing field for all candidates.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I am working with the President of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, to explore jointly convening Libyan-led and UNSMIL-facilitated negotiations among Libya’s main political and institu- tional leaders. In parallel, I have broached the subject with House of Representatives Speaker Agila Saleh, the then-High State Council President Khaled Al-Meshri, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al Dabiba and Libyan Na- tional Army Commander Khalifa Haftar. Although significant resistance to holding a face-to- face meeting persists on the part of certain actors who wish to maintain the status quo, steps are being taken.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar shared with me, in writing, his own concerns about the draft laws, as did House of Representatives Speaker Agila Saleh. All Libyan leaders have agreed, in principle, to the amendment of those drafts. I am pleased to report that the President of the Presidential Council informed me of his intention to convene the leaders of the two chambers to fine-tune the draft electoral laws, in the light of the comments of key stakeholders. I urge the two chambers and the 6+6 committee to resume work and finalize the electoral laws to make them implementable, so as to draw a reasonable timeline for elections. Our effort to facilitate a settlement over the politi- cally contested issues between Libya’s main stakehold- ers has intensified.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“That visit, like the previous ones, demonstrated that the people of Libya want to end the successive interim arrangements and have a strong desire for an elected and legitimate leadership to govern the country. With respect to the electoral laws and the way forward, I intensified my consultations with the President of the Presidential Council, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, the Heads of the House of Representatives and High State Council and the Commander of the Libyan National Army. I shared written proposals to address the technical flaws and contested aspects of the draft electoral laws. The Chairman of the High National Elections Commission also wrote a detailed letter to the leaders of the two chambers, setting out how to address the legal loopholes and technical shortcomings in the draft laws.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The third is to sustain dialogue among the security and military actors, to cultivate a security environment that enables progress on the elections and sustainable stability for the country. In addition to my engagements with the major players, I continued to consult with Libyans of all walks of life, including political parties, community leaders and notables, youth and women’s organizations and professional organizations, such as the Libyan Bar Association. I also continued my visits throughout Libya. As in the past with Sabha, Benghazi, Sirte, Misrata and Zintan, I visited the city of Zawiyah on 8 August and exchanged views with political figures, social leaders, civil society representatives, security actors, members of academia and other local actors.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Mr. Bathily: Since my previous briefing (see S/PV.9351), I have continued my intensive engagement with the main Libyan stakeholders to achieve three main objectives. The first is to convince the House of Representatives and the High State Council to consider proposals from the High National Elections Commission, other Libyan actors — and there are many — and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to address the legal loopholes and technical shortcomings in the draft electoral laws prepared by the 6+6 committee of the two Chambers. The second is to explore the possibility of convening a meeting of the main stakeholders or their representatives to reach a political agreement on the four main politically contested issues outlined during my most recent briefing to the Council.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source