YouSaid · the spoken record

Mitri

lines on the record: 202
first: 2006-07-31
most recent: 2014-08-27
sittings or episodes: 14
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

“In coordination with the national and local authorities, the United Nations moved quickly to provide displaced families in Awbari and Sabha with emergency relief items. Providing relief items to Kufra is also under way. In the east the unabated campaign of targeted assassinations, bombings and abductions has reached intolerable levels. Many victims have been security and judicial personnel, but civilians have also suffered unchecked terror and intimidation. The killing in Benghazi on 24 February of seven Egyptian nationals, all Christians, is a sad illustration of the dangerous lawlessness. I take heart from the unequivocal condemnation and repulsion with which the Libyan public and leaders have reacted to those killings.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“To that effect, I convened regular consultative meetings with leaders of the major political and civil society forces. In the previous three months, there has been a dramatic increase in violence across the country. In January and early February, clashes took place in the Warshafana area west of Tripoli, within earshot of UNSMIL's compound. In Sabha, in the south, and Kufra, in the south-east, political, economic and social grievances spilled over into armed violence between rival groups, many along ethnic and tribal lines. Former regime supporters took advantage of the situation to occupy Government facilities for some time. In Sabha, violence resulted in over 100 fatalities, including those ofchildren and the elderly. It also led to the displacement of hundreds of families and shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“Intense efforts to resolve differences and negotiate an agreement on the management of the transitional period, including the future of the General National Congress and the Government, have not succeeded in bringing an end to the divisions that have paralysed the political process. Considerable differences remain over holding both parliamentary and presidential elections, and the extent of powers to be granted to a future president. The application of the political isolation law remains a contentious issue as well. Throughout this process, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has consistently encouraged the different parties to reach agreement on the main national priorities and the management of the transition.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“The decision of the General National Congress on 3 February with regard to the transfer of authority in due course to a constitutionally elected legislative body did not defuse tensions ahead of 7 February, the date some have interpreted - controversially - as that on which the term of the General National Congress should have ended. Acknowledging public pressure, that body opted for early elections, establishing de facto a new transitional period - a third - to continue until the end of a longer constitutional process. It has formed a 15-member committee to consider amendments to the Constitutional Declaration, issued by the National Transitional Council in August 2011.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“I alluded to the strong polarization resulting from disagreement over the management of the transition period, reflecting deeper political and ideological divisions. On 2 March, the General National Congress building was stormed by protestors demanding its dissolution. About 150 young men ransacked the main chamber and assaulted members, four of whom were injured. I strongly condemned the violence against the General National Congress members and premises, re-emphasizing the need to respect legitimate State institutions. While upholding the right to freedom of expression, I also made it clear that the use of force to achieve political objectives is to be unequivocally rejected.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“Mr. Mitri: The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (S/2014/131), which covers the events in that country since his last report on 5 September 2013 (S/2013/516). On 8 March, Libyan oil was loaded on a North Korean flagged vessel, the Morning Glory, by armed groups that have been blockading a number of oil terminals and fields in eastern Libya for many months. That constitutes an illegal act and violates Libya's sovereignty over its ports and natural resources. Three months ago, I spoke before the Council (see S/PV.7075) of the steady decline in the security situation across Libya, and of mounting popular frustration with the political process.”
2014-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7130 (2014) · source
“(spoke in French) UNSMIL continues to contribute to preparations for the national dialogue by providing advice and technical assistance. Those efforts have made some progress. In November, we held a training session on dialogue and discussion among the representatives of the various political groups. I am heartened by the interests voiced by our Libyan interlocutors and their appreciation for UNSMIL's role in that respect. We were urged to be fully committed to that effort, and I can assure the Council that we shall be.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“As with the first consultation I had convened a month earlier, the exchanges were markedly frank, but also reflected a shared desire among all participants to reach an agreement on the way forward that would be grounded in a commitment to the democratic process and conscious of the need to prevent a political vacuum at all costs. In my previous briefings to the Council, I have underlined the important role that an inclusive national dialogue can play in defusing excessive political polarization and producing a shared vision for the future - both the immediate future and a longer- term one. A number of national dialogue initiatives have been announced over the past few months, and UNSMIL continues to underscore the need for a single process that enjoys the acceptance of all parties.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“That is partly a result of the Amazigh community's boycott of nominations. Notwithstanding the fact that six seats have been reserved for cultural and ethnic minority groups, a resolution of the disagreement over constitutional guarantees on minority rights awaits an acceptable compromise solution. In view of the continued absence of political agreement on the tenure of the General National Congress, in November I convened a consultative meeting of 40 leaders of major political forces, women and other independent personalities to explore options for the management of the democratic transition.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“Progress towards the election of a 60-member constitution-drafting assembly remains steady, with the nominations process having closed on 7 November with a total of 700 registered candidates, including 74 women who will contest the six seats reserved for women. A vetting process with the right to appeal is now under way. The preliminary candidate lists were published on 7 December. With the support of UNSMIL, a joint action plan has been developed by a newly established national women's network to empower women and strengthen their participation in the political process, particularly the upcoming elections. Although the first phase of voter registration commenced on 1 December, the High National Election Commission remains cautious about committing itself to a firm date for polling.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“With UNSMIL support, an inspection team from the International Atomic Energy Agency will visit this month to verify existing stockpiles and conditions of storage. Further to the verified destruction in April and May 2013 of almost nine metric tons of mustard gas, an inspection team from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to visit later this month to observe and verify the destruction of chemical weapons, in line with Libya's obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. The Prime Minister has established an interministerial committee tasked with developing a national arms and ammunition management strategy, and UNSMIL will be closely assisting in that regard.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“Similar initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to the process of establishing the rule of law and achieving national reconciliation. Since my briefing of the Council on 4 November on the control of man-portable surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS) and uranium fissile material, otherwise knownasyellowcake,UNSMILhasreceivedpreliminary information, but has requested the Libyan authorities to share more documentation on the MANPADS that are subject to its control. In addition, the Mission hopes to see greater cooperation with international partners on issues of arms proliferation. With respect to yellowcake, we have received information indicating that 6,400 barrels are stored in a non-functioning former military facility close to Sabha, in the South. They are under the control of a Libyan army battalion.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“In that regard, UNSMIL will continue its monitoring work and its efforts to assist the judicial police in developing its capacity to manage all detention centres in line with international human-rights standards. I am pleased to report that a new law on transitional justice was promulgated last week by the General National Congress. It includes provisions on truth- seeking and reparations for victims and requires that detainees be released or handed over to the judiciary within 90 days of its promulgation. UNSMIL provided extensive comments, based on best practices, and some of them were duly taken into account. In a related context, I welcome the recent release of four senior leaders of the Warfalla tribe, held for more than a year in the city of Al-Zawiyah without charge or trial.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“Prolonged detention and interrogation in the absence of effective State control or oversight has created an environment conducive to torture and other forms of ill- treatment. UNSMIL has found hard evidence of torture, with 27 deaths in custody recorded since the end of the conflict, ll of which took place this year. Our report on torture, "Torture and deaths in detention in Libya", released in October by UNSMIL and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, has received notable attention in Libya, and the Government has welcomed its recommendations. We do take heart from the improvement in the conditions of detention facilities that have been placed under the authority of the newly trained officers of the judicial police.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“The Secretary- General's request for a guard unit to be sent to Tripoli and the Council's response to the request were grossly misunderstood by groups in Libya, some going as far as to suspect that the proposed arrangement was a prelude to an international intervention. The Libyan Government and UNSMIL issued clarifications and found themselves forced to state the obvious. We will have to spare no effort in dispelling misinterpretations and suspicions, no matter how unjustified they may seem, and in reaffirming the role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which is committed to the full respect of the country's national sovereignty. The situation of the 8,000 conflict-related detainees remains a source of concern. The majority continue to be held by armed brigades, awaiting judicial process.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“At present, we believe that it is essential for all parties to engage in dialogue and create the right balance of incentives in order to stimulate a comprehensive process of the reintegration and eventual disarmament of the armed groups, ultimately moving towards the establishment of a State monopoly on the use of armed force. In the context of the insecurity that has prevailed for many months, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMlL) has asked that protection of its premises be strengthened, which is a standard measure for diplomatic missions and international and regional bodies in Libya and elsewhere.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“The official death toll was put at nine, in addition to an undisclosed number of Ansar Al-Sharia casualties. While there is a negotiated truce, it remains tenuous, given reports of subsequent killings targeting members of the special forces. Despite the efforts of the Government to quickly deploy army units in Tripoli to prevent a security vacuum, the weak capacity of State military and policy institutions remains a serious problem. Doubts also remain as to how comprehensive or lasting some of the recent moves will be. The events of the past month have again highlighted the need for dialogue with the main armed groups.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“That public outcry comes against a backdrop of unprecedented levels of insecurity over the past few weeks, with assassinations and abductions of security and State officials appearing to intensify in both Benghazi and Darnah. The authorities appointed a military commander for Benghazi charged with the task of restoring stability to the city and its surrounding areas, followed by a large-scale deployment of Libyan army units. Despite those measures, there are still serious problems to be overcome. On 18 November, Benghazi's military commander survived an assassination attempt, seen as a continuation of the sustained targeting of symbols of State authority. Heavy fighting erupted in Benghazi on 25 November between special-forces units and the Ansar Al-Sharia brigades.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“Prompted by calls, including from the Tripoli local council, for mass protests to demand the withdrawal of armed groups from the capital, demonstrators took to the streets, following Friday prayers on 15 November, and marched on compounds in the Gharghour district held by revolutionary brigades from Misrata. Tragically, 46 people lost their lives, and another 516 were injured. Large groups of the population were mobilized into a campaign of civil disobedience demanding the evacuation of all armed formations. Bowing to public pressure, Misrata forces have since announced their withdrawal from the city. A number of other brigades have also vacated premises that they had previously occupied. There has also been a wave of protests in Benghazi demanding the eviction of armed brigades and the reconstitution of the police and army.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“The security situation in Libya remains precarious. Worry and discontent among the civilian population has increased significantly. In recent weeks, mass demonstrations in Tripoli, Benghazi and Darnah have given the people an opportunity to express their frustration loudly and clearly about the political process and their distrust of the brigades. (spoke in English) In Tripoli, public anger directed against the revolutionary brigades and other armed groups has been further fueled by frequent clashes among them. A minor dispute quickly escalated into fierce fighting that spread through the capital.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7075 (2013) · source
“There has been an increasing number of calls for the United Nations to play an active role in initiating and facilitating national dialogue. We will not shy away from shouldering our responsibility but will continue to insist that the process should be Libyan-convened and Libyan-led. I have assured the Libyan authorities time and again, as well as many political leaders and opinion-makers, of our readiness and commitment to giving advice and technical support to dialogue endeavours, whatever form they may take. It is our hope that those efforts will come to fruition in the near future.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“In my meetings with the leadership of the General National Congress and the Government, I noted a shared belief that a national dialogue process would allow for the Libyan national interest to prevail over factional, regional and short-term interests. In the light of the growing disillusionment with the political process, such a dialogue would give voice to many Libyans and open a space that does not exclude any of those who may have contributions to make to public life and who are otherwise isolated, separated or entrenched in their partisan attitudes. It would also promote a national capacity to address urgent priorities and ensure public support for State-building efforts, particularly in the security and justice sectors.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“The Libyan experience has demonstrated the urgent need for an inclusive dialogue and consensus-building on national priorities during the transition period, as well as regarding guiding principles, norms of governance and basic rules of political action. In response to the increasing demand across the political spectrum for a national dialogue that can address the country's faltering transition, the Libyan authorities agreed on preparing and convening this dialogue. A national dialogue would provide a platform for engaging political, revolutionary, traditional and other actors in discussing urgent national issues and seeking consensus on strategies, as well as basic principles, that ought to govern political life in the transitional period until the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of new elections.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Next month marks the two-year anniversary since the fall of the authoritarian Al-Qadhafi regime. It is more evident today that preconceived ideas about political transition are likely to be a recipe for disappointment, ifnot failure. Free and fair elections may have augured a democratic process, but they raised greater expectations than the political institutions and forces have been capable of meeting. Today, there is a sense of scepticism, and perhaps of rejection, with which the Libyan people view the political process. But this should not be mistaken for a loss of faith in national unity, democracy and the rule of law. Their commitment to the principles for which they fought their revolution remains deep.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“The Government has also announced that it is moving forward with the training ofbetween 12,000 and 15,000 soldiers outside of Libya. Restructuring the army and addressing the inflated ranks of the officer corps are urgent priorities. The Libyan police continue to integrate individuals from the armed brigades. Some are already enlisted and many more are in the vetting and enrolment process. The Government's preoccupation with the deteriorating security situation and the increasing divisions among political groups and revolutionary brigades have all inhibited the development of a solid, coordinated and effective national security system. When I last briefed the Council in June, I alluded to the enormous difficulties confronted in the aftermath of four decades of despotic rule.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Assassinations of security figures, mostly in the east, and more recently of political activists and journalists, improvised explosive devices, attacks against members of the diplomatic community, threats against the United Nations and general criminality continue in the face of weak State security institutions. Border security is increasingly a critical issue that the authorities have yet to address effectively. Progress in integrating revolutionary fighters into the police and the Libyan army remains very limited, as is their reintegration into civilian life. In an attempt to encourage revolutionaries to enlist in the army and to improve the salary scale for current uniformed personnel, the Government recently announced an increase in salaries for the military, effective from January 2014.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“The security problems in Libya are still, arguably, the predominant concern for the Libyan people. Since my last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.6981), there have been armed clashes in Tripoli between rival revolutionary brigades. Due to the limited State capacity to secure the capital, the newly elected President of the General National Congress, Mr. Nouri Abu-Sahmain, assigned the task of protecting the city to the Libyan Revolutionaries Operations Room, a coalition of revolutionary brigades. Tensions among various political, tribal and armed groups have also escalated into confrontations in various parts of the country, resulting in several deaths.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Some of their influential organizations and personalities are quite assertive in demanding that constitutional issues pertaining to their cultural and linguistic rights be decided upon by consensus rather than by a two-thirds majority of the 60-member Assembly, as stipulated in the Constitutional Declaration. The constitution-drafting process presents an opportunity for the Libyan people to forge a new social contract that will govern the new Libya, therefore making it imperative that it be transparent, consultative and inclusive. The new Board of Commisionsers for the permanent High National Election Commission was recently selected. With the full support of the United Nations electoral team in the various areas of its work, the Commission is actively engaged in planning and preparing the elections to the Constitution Drafting Assembly.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“In spite of the numerous difficulties and uncertainties, I am pleased to report that the Libyan constitution-making process has made some progress, with the adoption by the General National Congress of a law for the election of the Constitution Drafting Assembly. UNSMIL had advocated for special measures for better representation of women in the Constitution Drafting Assembly. However, the adopted electoral law provides for limited representation for women, granting them six reserved seats in the 60-member Assembly, which is lower than the 16 per cent allotted to them in the July 2012 elections to the General National Congress. For their part, cultural and ethnic minorities were granted six reserved seats.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Further to the conviction and sentencing to death on 31 July ofAhmad Ibrahim Al-Qadhafi, former Minister of Education and Information, the trials of some 250 defendants, including Saif al-Islam Al-Qadhafi, are expected to commence soon. In that regard, UNSMIL continues to underline the need for a coherent approach to secure acceptable standards in the prosecution of former regime officials so as to avoid random charges and contribute to establishing a historical record of the crimes committed under the former regime. Ensuring fair trails for former regime officials will test the Libyanjudicial institutions in the coming months. The prevailing security situation in the country and the continuing attacks on judges, lawyers and courthouses continue to present a formidable challenge to the authorities.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“UNSMIL believes that the passage of such a law is vital to helping Libya deal with many of its past tragedies and crimes. It is equally essential in facilitating the difficult process of national reconciliation. The situation of many of the estimated 8,000 conflict-related detainees remains problematic. While the Ministry of Justice has reported a reduction in complaints, reports of deaths in custody, torture and other forms of ill-treatment continue to be a source of concern. However, UNSMIL has observed a marked improvement in conditions and treatment of detainees in centres that are effectively under the authority of the Ministry of Justice and where there are experienced and trained judicial police officers. There have been new developments regarding the trials of senior members of the Al-Qadhafi regime.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“In a country where oil revenues account for approximately 80 per cent of Libya's gross national product and 97 per cent of exports, the Libyan Government faces the dangerous prospect of not being able to meet its financial obligations unless a resolution to the crisis is reached immediately. We believe that the resolution of that crisis, as well as of the many others confronting Libya, through peaceful means is vital to the country's national interests and its ability to make meaningful progress in its transition. In that context, we also urge all parties to desist from the manipulation of Libya's resources for political ends. With regard to the development of new legislation, the adoption of a law on transitional justice remains pending before the plenary of the General National Congress.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Those events have injected a sense of unease into the political system, as different political actors reassessed their positions both with regard to the major problems confronting Libya and the region more generally. The recent and severe disruption in the country's oil exports, following protests at a number of terminals, mostly in the east, has grave consequences for Libya's economic stability. The disruption has compelled Libya's National Oil Company to take the unprecedented measure of declaring a force majeure, indicating its inability to meet contractual export obligations. Conflicts related to oil terminal protection and federalist demands in eastern Libya are at the core of the protests.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“The main political blocs within the General National Congress decided separately to suspend their participation as organized political parties in the work of national political institutions. Although partially reversed, those decisions were in large part a reaction to widespread popular discontent with political parties and, at the same, reflected an accentuated polarization of public life. There is also a regional dimension to the significant political changes in Libya. Recent developments, particularly in Egypt and Tunisia, have had a palpable effect on the political scene and greatly influenced the behaviour of some political forces.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Mr. Mitri: The Security Council has received the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/516), which provides information on the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) over the past six months and offers a sober reading of the political and security developments in Libya during that period. A combination of internal and regional dynamics continues to place a huge strain on the political processes taking place in the country, which compounds further the difficult tasks facing the Libyan authorities - both the Government and the General National Congress - as they strive to ensure that the country's transition moves peacefully forward. During the past three months, we have seen more pronounced political disagreements among the various political forces.”
2013-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7031 (2013) · source
“Many of them remain unwavering in asserting the principles that underpinned their revolution and their desire to build a modern and democratic State based on the separation of powers, respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“As important as those elections may have been in ushering in the beginnings of a new political process and the building of legitimate State institutions, for the foreseeable future the Libyan people will continue to endure the heavy legacy bequeathed to them over decades of brutal rule. Managing the transition is therefore bound to be difficult, perhaps more difficult than we thought a year ago. The mood in Libya today may have changed since I last briefed the Council in March (see S/PV.6934). Despite the gravity of some of the security and political developments that have taken place over the course of the past three months, Libyans have not lost confidence.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“The support and assistance of Libya's international partners and the cooperation of its regional neighbours will be crucial to that effort. More broadly, we have learned from our experience in Libya over the past 20 months that a piecemeal approach to State-building is not a way to achieve good results, particularly in the security sector, where the needs are huge and immediate. The risks in Libya should not be underestimated, and, by the same token, the opportunities should not be overlooked. Judging by the speed with which last year's elections to the General National Congress took place, so soon after the cessation of hostilities, we might be forgiven for thinking that the road to democracy was as simple as it appeared then.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“Progress on Libya's plan agreed on at the international ministerial conference in Paris in February this year has stalled, in part because of the political crisis that has since ensued. In April, we presented a defence white paper to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff for their consideration. That joint effort of the Ministry of Defence, the Libyan Armed Forces and UNSMIL includes 52 recommendations for a future Libyan defence strategy and 18 immediate priorities. The Libyan State's ability to fully assert its authority over the south continues to be limited. We believe that the Libyan authorities still have the opportunity to step up efforts to effectively counter threats emanating from there.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“Libya will also need to engage further in dialogue with its neighbours and international partners. Parallel to that effort, more is expected from the Government regarding accelerating the implementation of development proj ects in the south, a region whose communities have suffered from marginalization far too long. Prime Minister Zeidan recently visited the south and made promises to move forward in reconstruction and development. The ongoing weak state of security sector institutions, coupled with a lack of effective national security coordination, continues to be an issue at a time when security incidents throughout the country have grown in number and scale.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“To that end, we have intensified our efforts, emphasizing the need to establish a fact- finding mechanism integral to transitional justice. Border security remains a clear priority for Libya, its neighbours and the wider international community. Recent developments in the Sahel region underscore the importance of effective border security and management. Despite official pronouncements by the Libyan authorities, severe capacity limitations have led to little practical progress to date. Government efforts to address border security require the development of a comprehensive national strategy, addressing the issues of integrating revolutionaries, improving inter-agency coordination, training, operational effectiveness and infrastructure in the southern border region.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“We will continue to offer humanitarian support to such vulnerable groups and to urge the Government and local authorities to address problems effectively and with full respect for the dignity and rights of immigrants. The plight of internally displaced persons, some 35,000 Tawergha as well thousands of Mashashiya and others, continues to be a major concern. The unilateral announcement by Tawergha community leaders of their intention to return to their hometown on 25 June is a move fraught with risks. While in principle UNSMIL continues to support the Tawergha right of return to their homes in safety and dignity, it is essential that all parties concerned create acceptable conditions for the exercise of that right.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and various prison authorities to improve the prison situation. There have been varying degrees of success, mainly in providing decent medical care to inmates. Some legislative initiatives taken in April are commendable. The General National Congress passed a law criminalizing torture, forced disappearances and discrimination, and another clarifying the jurisdiction of the civilian and military justice systems and abolishing military courts' jurisdiction over civilians. We also welcome the introduction of a new bill intended to provide assistance to women who are victims of sexual violence. UNSMIL remains concerned about the situation of migrants in Libya. The conditions inside those centres remain deplorable.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“Conflict-related detentions remain mostly unchanged since I last briefed the Council. An estimated 7,000-8,000 detainees are still waiting to be charged or released. The process of transferring detainees to the authority of the State is slow. In Bani Walid, the scene of armed conflict in October, unanswered questions continue to surround the cases of bodies handed over from Misrata in April. In a number of detention centres, we have observed cases of torture. There is also evidence of deaths in custody due to torture. UNSMIL has consistently emphasized that extrajudicial killing and torture should not be tolerated in Libya, particularly by those who were victims of injustice and repression under the Al-Qadhafi regime. The national consensus on the centrality of promoting human rights should not allow any justification of such violations.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“In preparation for the election of the constitution-drafting assembly, the United Nations facilitated discussions between a wide range of Libyan decision- and opinion-makers on issues such as electoral systems, voter registration and, most importantly, the participation of women. Through those discussions, Libyans of various political hues recognized the importance of designing a fair, inclusive and credible process. Offering technical advice and drawing on best practices, including the July 2012 national elections in Libya itself, UNSMIL also highlighted the significance of adopting special measures aimed at enhancing women's participation in the constitution-drafting assembly. In the forthcoming period, civic education and facilitation of debates on constitutional issues will have to be a priority.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“The controversy surfaced concomitantly with the national political crisis. There were voices that cast doubts on the intentions of the international community and attributed to the United Nations an interventionist design. The fact that resolution 2095 (2013) was adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations raised further misunderstanding, suspicion and even disquiet. On the other extreme of the political spectrum, there were voices calling for a more robust United Nations presence and reminding Libyans, or warning them, that Chapter VII indicated the gravity of international concern. In such a context, we had to concentrate our efforts on dispelling misperceptions, as well as false expectations that were fueled by a formidable flow of disinformation.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“The political and security challenges that now face the country may well be the legacy of decades of authoritarian rule, dysfunctional State institutions and confusion around political norms. That reality invites a national political dialogue that seeks consensus on the priorities for the transitional period - a message that I have conveyed repeatedly to the Libyan authorities. UNSMIL has already provided the Government and the leadership of the General National Congress with advice on issues and modalities for a national political dialogue. In our conversations with various actors, we also touched on the perceived, as well as the desired, role of the United Nations in Libya. That was all the more necessary in the light of the unanticipated controversy regarding that role following the adoption of resolution 2095 (2013), in March 2013.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“In addition, UNSMIL stands ready to assist Libyan authorities in the technical aspects of conducting investigations and trials as part of the transitional justice process. That is particularly significant in the context of the recent decision by the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber regarding Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi. That decision is the subject of a Libyan appeal. We shall also continue to affirm the importance of cooperation by the Libyan authorities with the International Criminal Court. Following initial encouragement from the Government and requests from revolutionaries of diverse persuasions, I initiated a series of discussions to facilitate direct talks between the two sides. We stand ready to continue to provide our good offices.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“Written advice was provided to the General National Congress on international standards, best practices and potential risks of exclusionary measures. I must say that the law as approved falls short of those standards in a number of areas. In the context of Libya's transition and the legacy of weak State institutions, the implementation of the law risks further weakening of those institutions. On 5 June, the day the law came into force, many prosecutors and judges went on strike in protest at some of the provisions of the law that they believed would affect them. Those developments demonstrate the urgency of adopting a transitional justice law anchored in truth- seeking, accountability and reparations. A draft law is currently being considered by the General National Congress and UNSMIL continues to advise on its scope and implementation.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source
“Despite his distinguished record in active opposition to the Al-Qadhafi regime over three decades, Mohamed El-Magariaf was excluded from office pursuant to that law. He chose to resign as President of the General National Congress on 28 May. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. El-Magariaf's leadership of the Congress since its inception and to express my appreciation and gratitude for his support to the United Nations role in Libya and his confidence in UNSMIL, and in me personally, since I took up my duties as Special Representative of the Secretary- General. We also owe him a word of praise and respect for his dignified statesmanship as he distanced himself from the Libyan political scene.”
2013-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6981 (2013) · source