YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobler

lines on the record: 436
first: 2011-12-06
most recent: 2017-06-07
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“Their sacrifices have been too deep for anything less, their communities too strong to collapse and their hearts too full of courage to fail.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Finally, I would like to thank all the men and women of UNSMIL today, as well as the United Nations family. I admire the dedication I see in all of them - engineers, analysts and administrators alike. I know their work is often unrecognized. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to recognize them and salute their efforts. My last message, as always, goes to the people of Libya. I reflect upon the words of Libyan author Hisham Matar: "Dreams have consequences. There is no turning back. A revolution is not a painless march to the gates of freedom and justice. It is a struggle between rage and hope, between the temptation to destroy and the desire to build." I am sure ofone thing. The women and men ofLibya will succeed in building a nation that of which they and their children will be proud.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Without progress in politics, the symptoms of the conflict will only worsen. Migrants continue to die as they seek a better life. Women and men in detention facilities and prisons live a nightmare. Basic humanitarian principles and humanitarian space are under threat. Five hospitals have been bombed this year and humanitarian supplies cannot reach many regions of Libya due to insecurity. The human rights situation remains of deep concern. Since March, 65 civilians were killed during armed conflict, some by indiscriminate bombing. We cannot remain numb to the suffering this conflict is causing; we cannot compromise the basic principles that unite us, that make us human; nor can we afford to abandon our hopes and desires for a better, more united Libya.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“The Quartet's meeting in Brussels on 23 May was an increasingly important forum for harmonizing the positions of regional and international organizations - the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States and the United Nations. The African Union also sent two delegations to Libya recently, including its High Representative and a ministerial delegation of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on Libya. A collaborative approach in which all initiatives work in a complementary manner to advance the United Nations-facilitated political process is very much needed. Uncoordinated or parallel efforts risk undermining progress and complicating an already complex situation. We must move forward in supporting Libyan-led efforts to find a durable solution.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Today I would like to recognize the contributions made by neighbouring States. As elsewhere, it is the neighbours who first feel the consequences and it is they who are part of the solution. On 8 May, I attended the 11th ministerial meeting of Libya's neighbouring States meeting in Algiers and am encouraged by the efforts of this forum to find a common position and solution. Yesterday, the meeting in Algiers of Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria took place and concluded with a declaration supporting United Nations efforts and the coherence of the international community. With regard to politics, both the regional and international communities must come together to support the Libyan peace process - not in the spirit of interference, but rather in partnership and respect for the sovereignty of Libyan and international law.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“The dire economic situation and the explosion of the black market is feeding criminality and violence. It must be addressed if Libya is to pull itself out of its downward spiral. Fifthly,nationalreconciliationisvitalforestablishing a durable peace in Libya. In that regard, I welcome the steps taken by the Presidency Council towards establishing a national reconciliation commission and beginning official consultations. Women and youth will play a critical role in any reconciliation effort. I am awed by the energy and optimism of the Libyan youth. During the youth conference convened by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in May, numerous initiatives were proposed and linkages formed. Those efforts must and will be supported. Sixthly, Many Libyans call for the increased involvement of the international community.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“The continued use ofthe military to achieve political goals will only harden positions. Instead, a political solution, including agreement on a civilian authority to command the security apparatus, is needed. Fourthly, weaknesses in the economy and financial situation need to be urgently addressed. Despite the increase in oil revenue and the ability of the Presidency Council to agree on a new budget for 2017, the fundamentals of the Libyan economy remain flawed. The division of financial institutions, instability and low confidence in the banking sector continue to feed inflation and the lack of liquidity. The Central Bank has to decisively address the fiscal and monetary problems of Libya. Libya is still spending beyond its means and its foreign currency reserves are constantly shrinking.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“I recommended to Field Marshal Haftar that officers from all parts of the country should meet to discuss military matters. We stand ready to facilitate such a meeting, as we have done before. In Tripoli, the security plan must now be extended to the entire city. State authority must be expanded. The authority of the Presidency Council over armed groups has to be strengthened. Those forces must be consolidated within the relevant ministries; command and control must be unified. The unification of the security apparatus must also occur at a national level. The only alternative is military violence. In line with the guidance of Secretary-General Guterres on the prevention ofconflicts, we do our utmost to ensure that dialogue prevails over confrontation, that unity prevails over division and that security prevails over chaos.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Unfortunately, the closer a settlement, the higher the threat of such violence. More of the same was seen when forces affiliated with the Salvation Government attacked in Tripoli at the end of May. Fortunately, forces supporting the Presidency Council successfully defended the city and now control the capital. Thirdly, there is an urgent need to unify the Libyan security apparatus. Yesterday, 6 June, I once more met with Field Marshal Haftar in Benghazi. He assured me that he wants to proceed on the basis of the Libyan Political Agreement, supporting a political process to amend the Agreement. I encouraged him to let politics prevail and not to pursue military confrontation. We agreed that a united Libyan security apparatus is vital for peace and prosperity.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“There is an agreement on the principles guiding the future talks however. My advice to the international community is to provide the necessary assurances and guarantees to implement what Libyans will agree upon. They cannot do this alone without the support of the international community. They need the Council's strong and unified support. Secondly, let me turn to the military situation. The adversaries of a political solution seek to use violence to undermine efforts to reach a settlement. The attack on the Brak al-Shatti airbase on 18 May is an example. Radical elements, including some affiliated with Al-Qaida, massacred dozens of people. That inhuman act not only demonstrated complete disregard for human life, but was a deliberate attempt to undermine the political process.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“In my last statement (see S/PV.7927), I laid out several priorities that still must be addressed. Where do we stand on the most important issues today? First, there is consensus that the Libyan Political Agreement remains the framework of the political process. Despite criticism, there is overwhelming national and international support for the Libyan Political Agreement. However, the Agreement is not set in stone. After months of consultations with Libyan, regional and international stakeholders, we are developing a road map to allow limited amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement through an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process. I also see broad agreement on the areas where amendments are still needed. There are still different ideas on the format of talks.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Parallel institutions continue to exist. The House of Representatives has not yet recognized the Government of National Accord nor has it adopted the constitutional amendment. That said, the Libyan Political Agreement, however, has changed the facts on the ground. The Presidency Council has been working in Tripoli since 2016. Libyan oil production now exceeds 800,000 barrels per day, up from 200,000 barrels per day a few months ago. Da'esh, while still a threat, is a shadow of What it was just one year ago. Most importantly, whether one is a Libyan from Benghazi, Tripoli or Sabha, the Agreement remains the greatest hope for a solution to the crisis in Libya. The people of Libya desire peace; they desire security; they desire a country Where their children have a brighter future.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“First of all, I would like to wish peace, harmony and serenity to all those who observe the holy month of Ramadan in Tunisia and Libya. (spoke in Spanish) I would also like to congratulate Bolivia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. I am participating in today's meeting to update the Council on the latest developments in Libya. Today, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the past before setting our priorities for the future. (spoke in English) When I came to Libya in November 2015, I continued the work of my predecessor, Mr. Bernardino Leon, who had patiently forged a political agreement after a year of diplomacy. As mediators will know, concluding an agreement is one thing, but implementing an accord is another. In Libya, the transition process has not been fully implemented.”
2017-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7961 (2017) · source
“Something dramatic has to happen if we are to be able to cope with the problem of 2.4 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa, 70 per cent of whom will be between the ages of 15 and 29. The so-called youth bulge and the youth problem, combined with enormous population growth, particularly in the Niger and Chad, Libya's direct neighbours, which will show enormous population growth of an order not shared by other countries, must be kept in mind, as we strategically think about the future. Human security, the strategic lines of Libyan population growth and the youth bulge all over the continent are all topics that are important to consider. 1 thank the Council members for their great support, for the solidarity they have been showing and for the important signal that this meeting has sent today to the Libyans themselves.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“In 2050, Africa will have 2.4 billion inhabitants, nearly doubling its population size from 1.4 billion now to 2.4 billion, so it is easy to imagine what we can expect in terms of population movements, not in the short term, but in the medium and long term. However, Libya, a large country, will have only 9 million inhabitants in 2050. As a country that is large and rich, but does not have a sizeable population, Libya will be strategically facing large immigration waves early in the years 2030, 2040 and 2050. I therefore think that we should reflect upon how we stabilize the country beyond the short term. It is important not to lose sight of a strategic vision for the future.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“With a population of only 6 million people, that is really a problem. I always say, and I have said it to the Security Council in previous consultations: weapons come from somewhere - they do not just magically appear - they come by air, they come by sea, they come by land. Exports of illicit oil and diesel find their way to other countries through smuggling. I genuinely appreciate the Council's endeavour to block the illegal import of weapons and the smuggling routes, because it is very important to do it in a legal way via the United Nations Sanctions Committee, with exemptions if that is desirable, or through the lifting of the weapons embargo, but it is up to the Sanctions Committee to make the appropriate recommendation. Let me conclude by going a bit beyond 2017 and 2018 in strategic terms.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The International Organization for Migration does a great deal to repatriate between 100 and 200 people every week to their countries of origin. But, given the thousands that are there, it is only a drop in the ocean of illegal migration. I floated the idea with the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court as to whether it would be possible to consider human trafficking as a crime against humanity, given the thousands of people who have drowned and the irresponsible behaviour and the lack of accountability of human traffickers operating in Libya. I think that the relationship between human security, human rights for everybody and political security is obvious. I am very glad that the Council is also addressing that problem. With respect to the illegal flow of arms, Libya has 20 million weapons.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The situation for prisoners in Libya is not better than for those in the detention centres - with overcrowding and bad health conditions. It is the lack of accountability, the lack of State structure and the failure to restore the needed State authority throughout the country. We should not forget the many thousands who are subject to torture and arbitrary detention in Libya. The restitution of State authority is progressing. However, the situation in detention centres was duly noted. I personally try to go to those detention centres at least once a month, and I see the overcrowding, the health situation and the problems that the detainees face. The solution is not only in the repressive means of closing the borders but also in the repatriation of those who are in the detention centres.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“There are internally displaced persons, so any fighting aggravates the humanitarian situation, and people leave the areas where they reside. That is the case in Tamanhint. We try our best to not only politically urge interlocutors to stop the fighting but also to relieve the humanitarian situation. There is only one hospital left, and it has neither medicine nor equipment. We have tried to go there to advocate for allowing relief and humanitarian goods into the hospitals and the area. Many have mentioned the situation in the detention centres, and I cannot but underline the importance of human security in Libya, which extends far beyond the detention centres. I bring to the Council's attention the situation in prisons, which was not mentioned.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Mr. Kobler: I am grateful for the solidarity expressed around the table in the Security Council. The solidarity and cohesion of the Council is an important message. It is an important signal for those in Libya who seek procrastination and delay instead of progress and stability. I also appreciate the messages of support from my colleagues in particular, who increasingly work inside Libya on a daily basis in order to make life better for the Libyans. I would like to comment briefly on the situation in the south, which is a matter ofgreat concern for us. Many here have rightly said that there is a difference between the fight against terrorism andjust taking an airport and achieving territorial gains. The humanitarian situation in the south, in Tamanhint and the town is, to say the least, very difficult.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“I would like, once again, to thank the Security Council for its unwavering support for my colleagues and myself. I thank Ambassador Skoog and the Council presidency, as well as all of the stakeholders all over Libya, for the cooperation they have extended throughout the country. I thank them for their support for the Libyan Political Agreement and for the opportunity and confidence that they have given all of us at UNSMIL to serve the people of Libya.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“My seventh and last point is particularly important. It is my wish that the international community move beyond containment. The focus on the fight against terrorism and migration alone is not enough. Migration and terrorism are symptoms, not root causes. I am grateful for the many initiatives and efforts of, in particular, neighbouring countries and regional organizations over the past weeks and months to bring political and military stakeholders closer together. Now, I believe it is time for the United Nations to take the lead again. The United Nations is uniquely placed in Libya. However, we need the united support of the Security Council and the wider international community. The women and men of Libya, its wise elders and its vibrant youth deserve a better life, and they deserve it now.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The ability of Libyan leaders to mediate local ceasefires is a great asset and has prevented many sparks from creating fires. Libyans will soon start a comprehensive bottom-up national reconciliation initiative supported by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Sixthly, public services, security and governance must start improving at the local levels. In a country with a legacy of weak national institutions, local authorities remain among the most respected and effective actors. We must support them. Democratically elected mayors must be given authority, funds and responsibility. In that context, it is important that international partners be prepared to support the Presidency Council, if requested, and to deploy expertise, not only outside Libya, but also in Libya on the ground.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The formation of a committee in Tripoli to supervise the ceasefire is a good basis on which to move forward with more structured security arrangements for the city and a means to strengthen the authority of the Presidency Council. Fourthly, the economy and financial situation of the country needs to be stabilized. Agreement on a budget framework for 2017 was a significant step forward. However, budgetary and public-finance mechanisms must be improved in order to ensure unified and equitable financing of services and the economy, with funds distributed fairly and transparently to all regions of Libya. In that regard, I encourage a more constructive cooperation between Libya's financial and economic institutions and the Presidency Council. Fifthly, national reconciliation must be integrated decisively at all levels.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The temperature in Libya must be lowered, if political discussions are to resume. Efforts to expand control through violence are short-sighted and counterproductive. I am particularly concerned about the developments in southern Libya, both military and humanitarian. The much neglected south just cannot take more. There will be no unity through violence. The parties need to step back and talk. Thirdly, the security track aimed at stabilizing the situation and creating conditions for the formation of a unified security apparatus must be urgently reinvigorated. While progress on security is most effective when combined with advances on the political track, confidence-building steps must be taken immediately.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The Prime Minister and the President of the House of Representatives have both confirmed their commitment, as has the Commander of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Haftar, during our meeting last Thursday in Benghazi. The Head of the State Council has expressed his agreement, as have almost all representatives of significant institutions and constituencies. The Agreement is not perfect. There is a consensus that amendments are needed and that those amendments can only be done by the Libyans themselves. We are working to create a consensus on the mechanisms to enable the amendment. That process must be inclusive, and those deciding must have the capacity and commitment to implement their decisions. Secondly, all security actors must refrain from any action that might trigger violence and escalation.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“It is time to address the core issues, and it is time to get back to the spirit of Skhirat. Having worked on Libya since the signature of the Libyan Political Agreement, I am convinced that Libya will not solve its problems alone. It needs the strong, united, consistent, robust and concrete support of the international community; action and commitment, not merely papers and meetings and workshops; partnership, not interference; antibiotics, not aspirin. Please allow me to suggest seven briefpoints on the way forward for the Council's consideration. First,theLibyanPoliticalAgreementmustremainthe framework for a negotiated settlement. I am encouraged that all important stakeholders and the overwhelming majority of the Libyan population share that opinion. Let us build on that consensus.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“It is difficult to produce a realistic common budget for the whole of Libya. The political vacuum complicates efforts to create a united security force and has encouraged some to advocate for a military solution to the Libyan crisis. History does not tolerate a power vacuum. Armed groups are gaining power, and Libya is Witnessing new and heightened violence. The gains made against terrorist groups, including in Benghazi and Sirte, will ultimately be lost, if some actors continue to strive for power at the expense of institutions and civil society. The competition for the control of national resources will trigger renewed violence if the root causes are not addressed. The use of violence to obtain short-term objectives must end. It is time to get back to politics.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The divisions in many of the institutions have impacted their ability to govern. Instead of functioning for the good of the nation, many have begun to perceive the power-sharing agreements through the interests of one group over the other. The results of those divisions are setting Libya down a worrying path. Public services, including access to electricity, health, education and water, are failing many. The economy continues to decline. The gross domestic product has lost over half of its value since 2012. The lack of liquidity prevents Libyans from accessing their salaries. The dinar is losing value. The shadow economy and rampant corruption are growing. Political divisions also threaten the cohesiveness of sovereign financial institutions, such as the Central Bank, the National Oil Corporation and the Libyan Investment Authority.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Budgetary resources have been released by the Central Bank of Libya, including salaries in all parts of the country. Despite what I have said, we should be honest and see that the optimism and confidence of Skhirat has faded. Instead, I see frustration, disappointment and sometimes anger. Often they are justified. The sharp horizon established by the Libyan Political Agreement has blurred, and the path forward is no longer clear for many. Today, uncertainty has contributed to fragmentation and dissent, contributing to a dangerous political power vacuum. Violent clashes, social unrest and increasing criminality remain common in too many parts of Libya. The institutions of the Libyan Political Agreement must deliver, if they are to maintain credibility and legitimacy.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Ifthe parties do not uphold their responsibilities under the Libyan Political Agreement, there is no reason to think that they will have any greater commitment to an alternative agreement. There are positive signs elsewhere, too. The fight against terrorism is largely successful in Sirte and Benghazi. Da'esh no longer controls territory in Libya. That is a significant achievement as we move towards the end of the presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in Libya. The security situation in Tripoli is at least contained. Looking at the economy, oil production has increased and has potential for further growth. The National Oil Corporation has achieved much and demonstrates the need to maintain the unity of sovereign institutions.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The international community also continues to strongly support the Agreement and its institutions, and recognizes the Presidency Council as the sole national executive authority. The statements of the P-5 ambassadors to Libya and the political support and engagement of neighbouring countries, as well as the formation of a quartet comprised of the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the United Nations, are tangible reflections of international cohesion and commitment. We all share the same vision. We all share the same road map. Libyans and the international community alike support the Agreement. Yes, it can be amended, but there is no alternative. There is no plan B. Moreover, there is no need for one.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Mr. Kobler: At the outset, I would like to congratulate the United States of America on presiding over the Security Council this month. Members of the Council have received the latest report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (S/2017/283). However, in my remarks, I would like to concentrate on some strategic lines and to provide recommendations for consideration by the Council. Today, it is more important than ever to forge unity within Libya. Prior to the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement in Skhirat in 2015, Libya was a deeply divided country. The broad endorsement of the Libyan Political Agreement by Libyan stakeholders, signed with hope and confidence on 17 December 2015, continues today.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“I am encouraged by the renewed Libyan efforts and regional activity, in particular among Libya's neighbours, to overcome the political deadlock. We are beginning to see an emerging consensus among parties. The year 2017 must be a year of decisions and political breakthrough. I would like to thank the Security Council for its cohesive support. There is no alternative to a sustainable Libyan-owned political solution. The Libyan Political Agreement still provides a viable framework for resolving differences and restoring the democratic transition. I am hopeful that, with bold decisions and actions, we will witness a political breakthrough that can place Libya back on the path of peace, prosperity and stability. The people of Libya deserve it.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“I would also like to reiterate my continued support to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Human trafficking may constitute a crime against humanity, and it could be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. Beyond institutional and political agreements, a national reconciliation process is long overdue. A process is needed to heal the wounds ofyears of conflict and oppression. In January, we held a workshop in Malta with Libyan experts and activists to establish a road map for national reconciliation for Libya. We need to find ways to support community reconciliation and make it resonate at the national level. We will establish more channels of communication between traditional leaders, elders and youth, and also with women, who too often remain at the margins of these processes.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“The United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights published a report on 13 December detailing the disastrous situation and ill-treatment in detention centres. We have submitted concrete recommendations to the Libyan authorities and the international community. While fully understanding the concerns of neighbouring States and the region, all actions must respect international humanitarian law and the dignity of the migrants. I am working together with the International Organization for Migration, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to address these problems. These efforts include saving lives at sea, combatting human trafficking, and training the Libyan Coast Guard.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“The Presidency Council and the Government must quickly improve the poor service delivery and tackle outstanding economic challenges. Fifthly, human rights, the rule of law and irregular migration must be addressed seriously and comprehensively. The rule of law continues to be undermined by armed groups that abduct, mistreat and commit other human rights abuses with impunity. This must end. I would like to make a special note on the plight of migrants. Libya's wealth has long made it attractive to economic migrants. Their labour continues to contribute to the development of the country. However, migrants are extremely vulnerable. Those held in detention have no legal recourse and suffer appalling conditions. Many have died.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“However, despite its wealth, living conditions and public services have deteriorated in recent years. Institutional frailty, poor financial management and corruption, among other factors, are taking their toll. Now, Libya has a unified budget. The Presidency Council and the Central Bank agreed on a 2017 budget framework of 37.5 billion Libyan dinars. This is an opportunity to address much-needed service delivery. Some sectors must be prioritized. Health services are inadequate. Visiting a children's hospital in Tripoli, I saw first-hand the implications of poor management and insufficient financing. With the hospital lacking basic supplies and medicines, people were left to find their own means to relieve the suffering of their loved ones.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“Libya's neighbours are rightly concerned that this will affect their own security. I also welcome efforts of regional organizations, including the African Union and the European Union, to assist regional States in improving their capacities and coordination. Regional solutions are required to effectively and comprehensively address the security threats. Now is the time to consolidate the hard-won victories in the fight against terrorism. I am pleased by the efforts to create and deliver post-liberation plans in Sirte and Benghazi. I will continue to work with the Presidency Council and the international community to meet the humanitarian, stabilization, reconstruction and recovery needs. Fourthly, recent months have seen positive developments in Libya's economic performance. Libya is a wealthy country with abundant natural resources.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“The ongoing formation of the Presidential Guard is a step in the right direction. However, the Presidential Guard is no substitute for a unified Libyan army; it is a transitional measure. The Presidential Guard must be integrated once a consensus on the command structure of a future united Libyan army is reached. National security institutions, including the police, must be empowered and developed. There are no alternatives. Without a strong army and police, armed groups cannot be demobilized. The citizens of Libya deserve security and an end to the rampant crime and lawlessness. Thirdly, while the Islamic State no longer controls territory, the fight against terrorism is far from finished. The country's borders remain porous. Terrorists, human and weapons traffickers and criminal gangs continue to exploit the security vacuum.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“I am impressed by the coherence of the approach of both the neighbouring States and the African Union. The Troika formed between the African Union, the League of Arab States and the United Nations has contributed to improving coordination and building trust. We agreed in a meeting in Cairo on 21 January to associate the European Union with this important forum. These past weeks have seen a truly best-practice effort on how to converge the Views of Libyans, on the one side, and the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the neighbouring countries, on the other. Secondly, no political process can continue without addressing the issue of armed groups and the proliferation of weapons. While some of these groups are nominally controlled by State institutions, too many are driven by narrow interests.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“However, no individual or group can decide the way forward alone. It must be a collective effort. A11 Libyan institutions need to uphold their responsibilities and obligations to implement the Agreement. Together, they can advance the process to endorse a Government. Only by doing this can they address the needs of Libyan citizens. In this regard, I urge the House of Representatives to conclude its deliberations and nominate its delegation for further discussions. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of the neighbouring States and regional organizations, which continue to contribute towards fostering consensus. I attended the neighbouring States conference in Cairo on 21 January and the meeting of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya in Brazzaville, under President Sassou Nguesso, on 27 January.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“However, the political process must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. Only Libyans can take decisions on the future of Libya. In many meetings both inside and outside the country, possible amendments were discussed, in particular the question of the supreme commandership of the Libyan army; the chain of command of the army and in particular the role of General Haftar; and the future composition and role of the Presidency Council. I am confident that a format will be found in the next weeks within which these questions can be decided upon and recommendations can be put forth for approval to the relevant institutions. In January, informal consultations of members of the Libyan political dialogue in Tunisia, and the 13 December Cairo communique, were important milestones in identifying contentious issues.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“I would like to update the Council on the items I put before members at my last briefing (see S/PV.7827). First, on current political issues, the past two months have brought visible progress and converging visions from the east, south and west on possible amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement. Most agree on the following principles. First, the Libyan Political Agreement must remain the framework of the political process. Secondly, solutions must be found through inclusive dialogue, and not resolved through violence. Thirdly, possible amendments to the Political Agreement should be endorsed by the House of Representatives as a package, followed by a constitutional amendment and the endorsement of the Government of National Accord. Lastly, the discussions should take place under the umbrella of the United Nations.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“It still poses a threat, however. I once again pay respect to those who lost their lives fighting terrorism on the battlefields in Sirte, Benghazi and elsewhere. Despite these gains, Libyans are not yet in a position to address the root causes of division. This year must be a year of decisions - decisions on possible limited amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement that would enable the House of Representatives to endorse the Government of National Accord; decisions on how to form a strong, united army and police force, only after which armed groups can be effectively demobilized; and decisions on how best to utilize the revenues from oil and gas exports for the benefit of all Libyans and end the dire humanitarian situation in the country.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“Mr. Kobler: First, I would like to congratulate Ukraine on presiding over the Council this month. More than a year has passed since the signing ofthe Libyan Political Agreement in Skhirat. That year, 2016, was spent seeking to implement the Agreement and to begin to re-establish State authority all across Libya. While there was not nearly enough progress, some important gains were made. The Presidency Council and Libyan economic institutions continue to work together on disbursing the funds of the 2017 budget. The budget will enable State institutions to deliver much- needed basic services. Oil production has increased to over 700,000 barrels per day. This provides the Libyan State with much-needed revenue. On the security front, the Islamic State, which one year ago was expanding its territory in Libya, now controls none.”
2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7879 (2017) · source
“In this regard, I would like to reiterate my full support to the efforts of the International Criminal Court and applaud the Prosecutor's announcement that new investigations will begin in Libya. Sixthly and finally, I want to emphasise the importance of UNSMIL returning to Tripoli in a phased way once security questions are adequately mitigated. We can be far more effective there than we can hope to be in Tunis. UNSMIL must return to Libya; we should do it now to support all partners in these difficult moments. Stability can be better achieved if the international community is on the ground and not in exile. (spoke in Spanish) I would like once again to thank the Security Council for its unwavering support to the Libyan Political Agreement. The only alternative to the Libyan Political Agreement is chaos.”
2016-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7827 (2016) · source
“In this regard, I will maintain my support to the current multilateral meetings on Libyan financing, which have already led to valuable achievements such as the appointment of the Minister of Finance. I intend to provide technical support to the Presidency Council to assist in building its administrative capacity. Fifthly, the issue of human rights and the rule of law, including the situation of migrants, must be more effectively and comprehensively addressed. Libya is a human marketplace. That is a shame for a country like Libya. It has to be addressed and it has to end. The rule of law must also be respected. Summary justice dispensed by armed groups must make way for due process. Abductions, assassinations and threats against judicial officers and social activists must cease.”
2016-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7827 (2016) · source
“The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will convene a high-level meeting next week, on 13 December, to remove the obstacles to the formation of the presidential guard. Thirdly, the fight against terrorism has produced results. I have spoke about Sirte and Benghazi. However, the gains are not irreversible. The economic recovery of Sirte and Benghazi in particular has to be planned and implemented. This is a matter of priority. Fourthly, the fundamentals of the Libyan economy must be addressed. Deficit, inflation, the lack of liquidity and more must be tackled to avoid economic meltdown. The Presidency Council must have access to funds and the capacity to disperse them.”
2016-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7827 (2016) · source
“Secondly, the issue of armed groups in Tripoli must be tackled urgently. In this regard, I give my full backing to the creation of the presidential guard, which will provide protection to State institutions and embassies. I agree with those who say that the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord must not be protected by armed groups. The vision of a presidential guard has been transformed into a realistic plan. This plan deserves our full support. It is not an alternative to the building up of the Libyan Army under a unified command. Once established, the presidential guard will apply for exceptions from the weapons embargo to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011).”
2016-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7827 (2016) · source