YouSaid · the spoken record

Leon

lines on the record: 83
first: 2014-09-15
most recent: 2015-11-05
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“Yesterday's and today's attacks by both sides on public infrastructure and facilities, including airports, coming a day after the different parties recommitted themselves to resume the dialogue talks, is unacceptable, reckless and totally uncalled for. The escalation calls into question the commitment of those responsible behind those latest acts of aggression, and is a stark reminder that more needs to be done on the security front. I call on Libya's political leadership to take all the necessary measures to prevent any further attacks, and to exercise its authority in line with its legal and political responsibilities to ensure that all forces operating under its command comply with the political commitment it has made with respect to the dialogue.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“The second meeting, in Brussels, will draw together municipal representatives from across Libya to further the implementation of the confidence-building measures previously agreed in Geneva. Later on, we will convene a meeting of tribal leaders, very probably in Egypt. While I am confident that there is sufficient political will and determination on all sides to reach a comprehensive political settlement, I cannot overstate the challenges facing the process. Foremost among those is the fluid security situation, as the warring parties continue to engage in reciprocal attacks against each other in different parts of the country. We have repeatedly called on all parties, particularly on the military front, to desist from taking any action that would risk escalating tensions.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“The first item relates to the formation of a national unity Government under whose umbrella Libyans can adopt a unified approach to address the huge political, security and economic challenges facing Libya. The second will address security arrangements to pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of all armed groups from towns and cities, measures for weapons and arms control, and adequate monitoring and implementation mechanisms. The third is related to the completion of the constitution-drafting process and the need for clear timelines in that regard. To galvanize broader support for the ongoing talks, UNSMIL will next week convene two other dialogue meetings. The first meeting, in Algeria, will bring together a range of prominent Libyan political leaders and activists.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“We should be careful not to underestimate the sense of urgency and alarm underpinning that request for international support on addressing the threat of terrorism. Earlier this week, I held a new round of consultations with Libyan political leaders in Tobruk and Tripoli. Both sides have since delivered a clear and resounding message that terrorism will not be allowed to prevail or hold hostage the dialogue process. Following the conclusion of a seven-day mourning period announced by the House of Representatives in the aftermath of the latest terrorist attack, the House formally voted to resume participation in the dialogue talks. Tomorrow, dialogue teams representing the major political stakeholders will convene in Morocco to advance discussions with respect to proposals on the three key agenda items.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“I also have no doubt that terrorist groups such as Islamic State will stop at nothing in their bid to play on existing political divisions and the sense of mutual mistrust among the main political stakeholders in order to consolidate their own presence and influence in Libya. The sense of fear and concern within Libya regarding the threat of terrorism is very palpable. In meetings I had over the past week, Libya's counterparts expressed grave concern about the danger that terrorism posed to Libya's security and stability, and about the very limited capacities of the Libyan State to effectively confront that challenge. It is crucial to create the right conditions to address that threat. At the same time, we should be ready to support Libyan efforts to tackle terrorism and extremism.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“A car bomb in Al-Qubba, the home town of House of Representatives President Agila Gwaider, left 44 people dead, according to official figures released by the Government. That is the highest number of fatalities recorded as a result of any single act of terrorism in Libya. Even in the current climate of political polarization and armed hostilities, the nature and scale of that attack shocked all Libyans, irrespective of political affiliations. Across political divisions, condemnation was swift and unequivocal. I have no doubt that the attack in Al-Qubba, coming only days before a planned round of dialogue talks, was a blatant attempt to derail any opportunity of Libyans coming together to forge consensus on a peaceful solution to the political crisis and the military conflict that has gripped their country for much of the past year.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“Mr. Leon: By now, the Council will have received the Secretary-General's special report on the strategic assessment of the United Nations presence in Libya (S/2015/113), as well as the Secretary-General's report on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (S/2015/l44), detailing the Mission's work over the past six months. Two weeks ago, I briefed the Security Council (see S/PV.7387) in the aftermath of the horrific beheadings by Islamic State-affiliated elements of 21 men, including 20 Egyptian nationals. That was a crime so heinous and vile, yet its perpetrators showed no misgivings about presenting the world with images of their brutal and base barbarity. On 20 February, two days after my briefing to the Council, Libyans were again reminded of the lengths to which terrorists and extremists will go.”
2015-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7398 (2015) · source
“It is only through a strong Government of national unity based on a solid consensus that Libyans, with the support of the international community, can aspire to put in place an effective strategy to combat the growing threat posed by terrorist groups such as the Islamic State. I would like to thank all the Governments of the region and international actors for their support to United Nations efforts. I would also like to call on all Member States to spare no effort in support of a political resolution of the Libyan crisis. Finally, I take this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to Libya's democratic transition, and to say that our engagement in Libya will continue to be guided by our utmost respect for Libya's sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“It is our shared responsibility to build consensus among the Libyan counterparts. It is crucial for the international community as a whole to maintain a unity of purpose through coherent messaging and actions. Our efforts to counter terrorism in a sustainable manner cannot be a series of isolated acts and we should not allow terrorism to disrupt the political dialogue. Allow me to take this opportunity to remind all parties that nothing in their actions or decisions at this critical time should be allowed to provide space or the opportunity for terrorist groups to further consolidate their presence or influence. I urge them to intensify their engagement towards a political resolution of the crisis. The window of opportunity is rapidly closing, and no effort must be spared.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Given the sense of urgency, I have called for the next meeting of the political dialogue in order to finalize discussions initiated in Geneva on the formation of a Government of national unity and security arrangements to pave the way for a formal and comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Defeating terrorism in Libya can be achieved only through the political and institutional determination of a united Libyan Government, which will need the strong and unequivocal support of the international community in confronting the myriad challenges facing Libya. First and foremost, this will require the development of a coherent and comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, as well as the identification of the needs and support required from the international community.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“We are also making progress, slow but steady, in trying to de-escalate the situation on the military front. These efforts have intensified following a string of attacks in the oil crescent region towards the end of December, and except for the attack by Islamic State elements in the Mabruk oilfield on 3 February, there has been a relative truce in hostilities Nonetheless, the overall situation remains fragile and there is much work to be done. The overall situation in Benghazi remains dire, and only yesterday we received reports of aerial attacks on Zintan in the west. The images of the brutal acts of terror that we have witnessed in Libya in recent months have shaken our collective conscience. We must capitalize on this sense of urgency and, today more than ever, we must stand firmly behind the political process.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“On this note, I am pleased to report that a week ago I was in Ghadames where, for the first time, all the parties joined the United Nations-facilitated political dialogue. No doubt, this marks an important breakthrough towards an inclusive political agreement, which remains the only avenue for a sustainable way out of the crisis. I am hopeful that a political agreement can be reached soon. The differences among the parties are not insurmountable, and I am confident that their sense of responsibility for the fate of the Libyan people and the national unity, democracy and territorial integrity of the Libyan State will prevail over their differences. Yesterday marked the anniversary of a revolution intended to realize these values, which look so far away today.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“In January, the United Nations hosted two rounds ofpolitical talks in Geneva in which discussions were focused on reaching agreement on a national unity Government and security arrangements, to include a comprehensive ceasefire. Within Libya, reactions to the talks have been overwhelmingly positive and appear to have injected a new ray of hope regarding the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the political crisis and military conflict. Notwithstanding the hard-line positions initially adopted by some of the parties, the fact that all the major stakeholders now recognize the gravity of the situation and the need for a political resolution is and must be seen as a positive sign.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“These are all factors that have contributed to the current breakdown of basic State functions and the disruption of the country's economy and of its social fabric. Since my last briefing to the Council, we have made considerable headway in bringing the main parties to the negotiating table. We have progressively structured a political dialogue along five mutually reinforcing tracks, bringing together representatives from a broad spectrum of the Libyan political, military and social landscape. The objective ofthe dialogue is to bring Libya out of the chaos that is providing terrorism with fertile ground to breed further violence and destruction.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“The steady influx of foreign nationals has bolstered its ranks and now threatens to introduce yet another dimension to the conflict in Libya. We should be gravely concerned by this turn of events and firmly oppose the ideology and terrorist practices of the Islamic State. These radical forces must be confronted at every turn. No strategy will be successful without strong regional cooperation and an empowered Libyan State and authorities. We must not lose sight of the complexities of Libya's crisis, its weak and fragmented State institutions, their current political polarization, the predominance of armed groups seemingly oblivious to the national interest, media incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, and corruption.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Extremist groups with radical ideologies associated with Al-Qaida have been on the rise since the end of the armed conflict in 2011, with Ansar al-Sharia's strongholds in Benghazi and Derna already constituting a serious terrorist challenge in the context of the Libyan crisis. These have served as platforms for mobilizing support for the Islamic State. The Islamic State has already shown its potential for destruction in Iraq and Syria. Operating across borders, it has mobilized recruits and significant financial resources, including through the use of social media. In Libya, the Islamic State has found fertile ground in the growing post-revolution political instability, capitalizing also on the weakness of State institutions and the State security sector.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Since my last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7264), we have witnessed blatant disregard by Islamic State elements for Libya's sovereignty and state institutions. The capture of public installations in Sirte and the attack last month on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli reflect a growing ability and determination on the part of the Islamic State to exploit the political crisis and consequent security vacuum to consolidate its presence and influence across Libya. Recent incidents, including the attacks on the oilfields in Mabruk and south of Sidra clearly demonstrate the increasing ability of the Islamic State and other terrorist groups to operate in different parts of the country, whether in Derna, Benghazi, Sirte or Sabratha.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Towards the end of December, a young Egyptian doctor and his wife, also Copts, were brutally murdered at their home in Sirte; their daughter, who was abducted, was found dead on the city's outskirts the next day. These are but a few of the countless incidents that every day affect thousands of civilians, who bear the brunt of war and displacement and are victims of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, especially in areas like Benghazi. The savage terrorist acts highlight once again the imminent danger confronting Libya, its people and the wider region unless there is a swift agreement among the main parties in the country on resolving the political crisis and bringing an end to the military and political conflict.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Mr. Leon: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council today on the situation in Libya at this critical juncture. Let me begin by expressing my condolences and sympathy to all the families of the victims of terrorism and extremism in Libya. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific and brutal acts we have witnessed in Libya in recent days and weeks. No words can express my outrage and revulsion at the beheading of 21 men, including 20 Egyptian nationals who were targeted for no other reason than their religious belief and nationality. The scale of this atrocity should not eclipse the barbarity of other acts committed by extremist groups, including the Islamic State and Ansar al-Sharia. In November, three young activists were beheaded in Derna.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7387 (2015) · source
“Our engagement and that of the international community - next week at the General Assembly we will have new opportunities for this, as well as next Wednesday at an international conference of regional actors in Madrid - will remain solidly anchored in the principles of unbiased engagement with all parties, and that of non-intervention in Libya's internal affairs and respect for its national sovereignty.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“Political divisions are deep, the sense of mistrust is almost overwhelming and, given the proliferation of arms outside the effective control of State authorities, the security situation remains extremely fragile. But I nonetheless remain a fervent supporter of the Libyan people's desire to safeguard their country's national unity and social fabric. The small window of opportunity before us for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis should not be missed. Libya's leaders will have to act quickly and seek a political solution through a meaningful and inclusive dialogue. Given the urgency, I intend to follow up shortly with further visits to Libya.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“Plans to deploy risk-education and explosive-ordnance disposal teams as immediate priorities are under consideration. Three years following the fall ofthe former regime, the Libyan people find themselves nowhere closer to realizing their hopes and aspirations for a better future and for a State that safeguards their safety and security. Accordingly, many Libyans are deeply disillusioned with their country's democratic transition. The United Nations remains committed to its mission in Libya and will continue to impress upon all Libyans the urgent need for progress in overcoming their differences through dialogue. I believe that is the only way to spare the country further chaos and violence, and to prevent it becoming a magnet for extremist and terrorist groups. I have no illusions regarding the difficulties and challenges ahead.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“Within the past month, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) dispatched a humanitarian convoy to assist some 12,000 displaced people in the western town of Zuwara. The World Food Programme, which is already providing assistance to some 50,000 internally displaced persons, will participate alongside UNHCR to reach an additional 6,000. Separately, the International Organization for Migration has taken steps to repatriate thousands of stranded migrants to their countries of origin. Within the past two weeks, United Nations teams have carried out an initial assessment of contamination by explosive remnants of war in Tripoli as a result of the recent fighting. It is clear that the scale of the contamination is significant and poses a threat to civilian lives.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“I have also reminded all parties of their obligation not to take hostages and to treat humanely anyone whom they have detained in the course of the recent fighting. I urge all armed groups holding people to release them or hand them over to the justice system. Armed groups must also account for the fate of those under their control who are presumed missing. In thatregard, UNSMIL offered to assist in addressing the issue of detainees. Both sides expressed their readiness to cooperate. Given the scale of the humanitarian situation across Libya, the United Nations humanitarian country team is urgently taking steps to mobilize additional resources to cover the high demand for relief support.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“In Tripoli, reports of retaliatory attacks against individuals and property of those associated with the Government of Prime Minister Al-Thinni, as well as individuals hailing from Zintan, are a cause for concern. Camps in Tripoli housing displaced members of the Tawergha community, one of which was attacked on 30 August, have now been vacated for fear ofshelling and abductions. We have also received credible information from eastern Libya about incidents of intimidation and other retaliatory attacks targeting individuals hailing from Misrata. The growing number of acts of human rights violations and abuses has created a climate of fear, and countless political and civil society activists, including women, are known to have left the country out of concern for their safety and security.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“We also have credible reports - including one I received just a few minutes ago from the local councils in Warshafana - of severe shortages of medical supplies and further suffering. Our appeals for an immediate halt to military operations have gone unheeded, as have our calls for urgent humanitarian access. Efforts aimed at resolving the current crisis and resuming the political process cannot make progress against the backdrop of continued fighting. Despite repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including from the Security Council, the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile and precarious. I continue to remind all concerned parties of the urgent need to heed the Security Council's call to bring an immediate end to armed hostilities in the country.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“While the parties reiterated their willingness to engage according to these principles, there remains a huge trust deficit. The parties will need to move quickly to translate their stated commitment into actions. In the east, renewed military confrontations in Benghazi threaten to exact an increasingly heavier toll on the civilian population. In the west, an unrelenting campaign of indiscriminate shelling continues to target large sections of the Warshafana area near Tripoli, causing untold suffering for the civilian population. Tens of thousands of civilians are now known to have fled their homes; many, including women and children, have also lost their lives as a result of the shelling.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“This would have to be accompanied by steps on the security front to enable the State to assert its control over vital installations, and for Government to exercise its authority without the threat of armed intimidation. There can be no compromise on these principles. In all my meetings, I warned of the dangers of creating parallel political institutions and processes, which can only contribute to further division and polarization. I impressed upon my interlocutors the need to refrain from taking any action that would further exacerbate current divisions, and stressed that any solution to the current crisis would have to be negotiated within the framework of the current political legitimacy emanating from the elections.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“I conveyed to all the Council's commitment to Libya, as made clear in resolution 2174 (2014), to hold accountable anyone actively undermining the country's political process or responsible for a continuation of armed conflict or for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. I stressed that the solution to Libya's current crisis can be achieved not through military means, but through political consensus based on key principles, including respect for the Constitutional Declaration, the democratic process, the 25 June legislative elections, an end to incitement and provocation, the unequivocal rejection of terrorism, and a meaningful and inclusive political process.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“I also had the privilege of meeting with members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly in the city of Al-Baida. Despite the difficult political and security challenges that confront its work, I was heartened by the sense of perseverance and commitment conveyed by members of the Assembly. At that meeting, UNSMIL agreed to facilitate an event that will bring together the various committees established by the Assembly with a number of legal experts to provide technical assistance. In Tripoli, Misrata and Zintan, I had the opportunity to meet with various political leaders and other key figures associated with the recent outbreak of military conflict in Tripoli and its environs.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“In my discussions with the elected House of Representatives, currently seated in Tobruk, I reiterated the international community's unequivocal recognition of it as the sole legislative authority in the country. But I also impressed upon its members the need for brave, responsible leadership. Given that a group of parliamentarians continues to absent itself from the House ofRepresentatives' proceedings, I underlined the importance of active inclusiveness and for immediate steps to be taken to address the concerns cited by these parliamentarians. In this respect, I am encouraged by the apparent willingness of the House to display the necessary flexibility in pursuit ofa mediated resolution of the current crisis surrounding it. I have also received positive signals from the other side that it intends to move in a similar direction.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“Since assuming my duties just over two weeks ago, I have been in contact with Libyans from across the political spectrum. On 8 September, I undertook my first official visit to Libya as Special Representative, traveling to Tobruk, Al-Baida, Tripoli, Misrata and Zintan. Following frank and open exchanges with Libyan interlocutors, I am confident of the willingness of all the parties to engage constructively with our efforts to explore options for a peaceful way out of the current crisis. All acknowledged the deep political differences and profound sense of mistrust, yet all underscored the need to overcome those differences and to end armed hostilities, and for the political process to resume as soon as possible in order to prevent further polarization and division.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source
“Mr. Leon: The Security Council has before it the Secretary-General's report (8/2014/653) on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The report provides details on the work of the Mission over the past six months, and highlights some of the critical political and security developments that have taken place in Libya during that period. It provides a sombre reading of the rapidly deteriorating political and security landscape in the country. Tomorrow will mark three years since the Council established the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Despite the initial sense of optimism that accompanied the Mission's establishment, today we find ourselves at a critical moment in Libya's democratic transition - a faltering political process that has brought the country closer to the brink ofprotracted conflict and civil strife.”
2014-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7264 (2014) · source