YouSaid · the spoken record

Stephanie Williams

lines on the record

92

first

2020-05-19

most recent

2021-01-28

sittings or episodes

4

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

1. “As incoming Special Envoy Ján Kubiš, Coordinator Raisedon Zenenga and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Georgette Gagnon take over the reins of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, I wish to pay special tribute to former Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salamé for his inspired leadership, mentorship and guidance in laying the solid foundation upon which this process rests and to former Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator Yacoub El Hillo for his distinguished service. Last but not least, I wish to thank the entire United Nations team working on Libya, who are working tirelessly to make this process possible, for their dedication and commitment,”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

2. “I also want to thank the Council for its support for my efforts as Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General over the past 11 months and to the members of the Berlin process and the many generous donors that have accompanied and sustained the United Nations-facilitated intra-Libyan dialogue. The Council should signal its clear support for the new Libyan unified Government through the issuance of a resolution that also calls for the dissolution of all remaining parallel executive entities.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

3. “As I head to Geneva tomorrow for a decisive round of intra-Libyan talks that is expected to result in the creation of a new temporary unified executive, I remind all prospective candidates that high office comes with high responsibilities. In this, my last briefing to the Council, I also remind all parties, States with vested interests in Libya and, importantly, those Libyans who seek executive office that Libya’s future is in their hands. I want to pay tribute to all the Libyans who have worked courageously and in good faith to plant the seeds of reconciliation and fulfil the aspirations of their fellow citizens.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

4. “The impact of COVID-19 continues to make life more challenging for some of the country’s most vulnerable people. The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to increase month-on-month. As of 23 January, there had been 113,688 confirmed cases and 1,763 deaths. Prices for food and basic supplies remain well above pre-COVID levels, while many people have lost access to their livelihoods. In 2020, 1.3 million people were in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations and humanitarian partners, through the 2021 humanitarian response plan released this month, is requesting $189 million to reach 451,000 of those with food, health, protection, shelter and education, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

5. “We welcome the release of the remaining 121 migrants and refugees earlier this month from the Zintan detention centre into the community in Tripoli. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme and partners are providing released detainees with assistance. Despite those positive developments, as of 19 January more than 900 migrants and refugees remained in official detention centres in Libya. We were also saddened to learn that on 19 January, at least 43 people drowned, and 10 survivors were rescued, in the first shipwreck of 2021, off the coast of Libya. In 2020, more than 11,900 migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, which by all definitions is not a safe port for return.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

6. “Those who remain displaced face many perils and great uncertainty. On 19 January, an ammunition depot exploded at the Naval Academy in Janzour, Tripoli. The Naval Academy is home to more than 600 displaced families that f led Tawergha in 2011. Among the casualties were four internally displaced persons, one of whom died instantly. Many other displaced families face evictions from the places where they have been living. We continue to work with the authorities to ensure that people who have been displaced from their homes are provided with dignified and durable solutions. The United Nations and its partners continue to advocate for and support the release of migrants and refugees from detention and the closing of detention centres.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

7. “I would like to pay tribute to the teams who have worked tirelessly to eliminate the threats in the most dangerous areas, 71 of whom have been killed or injured since May 2020, while also confronting the added threat from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The ceasefire agreement presents a critical opportunity to mitigate that threat through the commitment by both sides to implement the measures outlined in the accompanying mine action protocol, which will save lives and help restore peace. Since the suspension of fighting in June 2020, families have continued to return to Tripoli, with approximately 114,000 people returning since the end of the fighting. Across Libya, there has been a 26 per cent reduction in the number of displaced people, from a high of 426,000 people in June down to 316,000.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

8. “While the guns have fallen silent, communities continued to face the repercussions of war and the convulsions related to the gross violations of human rights committed during the conflict. In Tarhunah, additional mass graves were discovered in January, with at least 18 bodies found. Lack of accountability and justice in Tarhunah led to protests by victims’ families on 23 January, which, sadly, degenerated into violence, with some protestors setting five homes on fire. The root causes of the tensions in Tarhunah should be addressed through a multifaced approach combining human rights protection and the rule of law, security-sector reform and reconciliation and transitional justice mechanisms. The situation regarding the uncontrolled proliferation of arms, ammunition and explosive ordnance continues to pose a major threat.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

9. “The other outstanding issue is the consolidation and unification of the national budget for 2021. Both Ministers of Finance have developed a unified budget, and UNSMIL has supported the World Bank by convening two meetings in January between the ministries to work on unifying the charter of accounts. There are limitations, however, to fully unifying the budget in the absence of a unified executive. As a result of UNSMIL-facilitated mediation, I am pleased to report that the relevant Libyan parties have reached essential agreement on the budget components and arranged for a working-level group to meet to finalize a two- month budget and the procedures for implementation. Upon conclusion, that process, now actively under way, is designed to enable immediate implementation.”

   2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

10. “If those reforms are fully implemented, they will smooth the way towards durable economic arrangements, including the transparent management of oil revenues. With the holding oil revenues in abeyance by the National Oil Corporation, the past month has witnessed unprecedented and long-overdue economic reforms, including the reactivation of the Central Bank of Libya Board of Directors, the unification of the exchange rate, progress on the financial review of the Bank and the launching of the first comprehensive audit of the Libyan Investment Authority. Despite those reforms, two critical measures remain outstanding. The first is the easing of the banking crisis through the issuance of loans to commercial banks in order to clear the backlog of cheques issued on credit lines created by the eastern branch of the Central Bank of Libya.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

11. “I also welcome the holding of eight municipal council elections conducted by the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections in and around Tripoli, despite the challenges of operating in a post-war context. I appeal to all stakeholders involved to respect the integrity and inclusivity of electoral processes in Libya. Three municipal elections were also held in the eastern Wahat municipalities. All stakeholders must work together to ensure the uniformity of electoral processes across Libya. The achievement of more than 130 council elections having been conducted since 2013 must be preserved; it is time to unify the two institutions under one roof. Steady progress has been made on the economic track, with significant economic reforms advanced over the period.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

12. “I welcome the disbursement by the Government of National Accord of 50 million Libyan dinars to the High National Elections Commission for preparations for the national elections scheduled to take place on 24 December 2021. On 28 December, Commission Chairman Al-Sayeh briefed the legal committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum on the measures taken by the Commission to strengthen its institutional capacity as part of planning for different scenarios to implement elections on 24 December. Mr. Al-Sayeh reiterated the Commission’s technical readiness to implement the elections while pointing out that the Commission’s ability to start concrete preparation for the elections will be dependent on the allocation of sufficient resources and remains limited until electoral legislation is put in place.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

13. “In parallel, UNSMIL has continued to facilitate the deliberations of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum legal committee tasked with following up on the constitutional basis necessary for the holding of elections. UNSMIL has also supported the meeting of the constitutional committee formed by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. That committee met on 20 January in Hurghada, Egypt, and agreed to hold a constitutional referendum before the national elections in December and to amend the referendum law reviewed by the House of Representatives at the end of 2018. While that path is not without challenges, it is positive that they met within the framework of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map, and I welcome the declared commitment of the committee to hold national elections on 24 December.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

14. “Based on a proposal elaborated consensually by the advisory committee on 19 January, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum voted to approve the proposed selection mechanism for a new executive authority to govern Libya in the lead-up to national elections, with 73 per cent of the votes cast. The one-week nomination period for the submission of candidacies for the positions of a three-member Presidency Council and of Prime Minister closes today. The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum will convene outside Geneva, with the generous hospitality of the Swiss Federal Government, for the voting process from 1 to 5 February. I strongly welcome the many expressions of international support, and I call on all Libyan parties and institutions to get fully behind this process in line with the Tunis road map.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

15. “The JMC has repeatedly requested the enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo and for international assistance to expedite the departure of foreign fighters, in order to underpin their valiant efforts to negotiate the opening of the coastal road and reconnect eastern and western Libya. The determined and constructive cooperation between the Libyan parties within the JMC paved the way for the political talks to resume. Since the Tunis dialogue, after over 50 hours of virtual discussions, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum established a temporary advisory committee to resolve the deadlock on the selection mechanism for the executive authority. I want to commend the crucial role played by women, youth and representatives from Libya’s south in building bridges and unflaggingly working to reach a compromise.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

16. “The multiplication of security agencies under the leadership of armed groups, with overlapping responsibilities, unclear lines of command and control, and financed with public resources, further erodes the State’s security architecture and undermines future security sector reforms and the demobilization, reintegration and integration of armed groups. I would like to stress that responsibility for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement rests not with the JMC but with the political and military leadership of both sides. I call on the Government of National Accord and the LAAF to fully assume their responsibilities and fully implement the ceasefire agreement. I also wish to echo the Secretary-General’s appeal to all regional and international actors to respect the provisions of the ceasefire agreement.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

17. “I welcome the JMC’s determination, although I am concerned by continued fortifications and defensive positions set up by the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) inside Ghardabiya airbase in Sirte and along the Sirte-Jufrah axis in central Libya. Air cargo activities continued, with f lights reaching Libya’s western region and the Government of National Accord military bases and airbases. In the southern region, there was an increase in assets and activities in the airbases seemingly aimed at strengthening LAAF presence and control. These activities undermine the 5+5 process. In Tripoli, in mid-January, the Presidency Council established another new security structure under its control, composed and led by prominent armed groups, which could complicate the 5+5-led efforts to help Libya make a transition towards a State monopoly on security.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

18. “I am pleased to report that the ceasefire signed in Geneva on 23 October continues to be observed and that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) remains active. The professionalism and selfless commitment of its members is exemplary. Ahead of the 23 January deadline set by the ceasefire agreement for foreign fighters and mercenaries to depart Libya, the JMC affirmed to the Security Working Group of the International Follow-Up Committee on 20 January that it will continue its work to implement all provisions of the agreement. In a public statement, the JMC reiterated the need for the immediate repatriation of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from all the Libyan territories.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

19. “Ten days ago, I participated in a digital dialogue with 1,000 Libyans from across the country and abroad. Seventy-six per cent of the participants were in favour of conducting national elections on 24 December 2021, and the majority called for an end to the years-long transitional period. Sixty-nine per cent of participants believed that a unified interim executive authority in the run-up to elections is needed. However, over 70 per cent of participants feared obstruction from what they described as the “status quo” party. They also called for a stronger United Nations role in ending foreign interference in the country and for the continuation of the United Nations-facilitated dialogues.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

20. “What is now evident is that the Berlin process did what was envisioned: it created an international umbrella for the United Nations to work directly with the Libyan parties, military officers, political forces and thought leaders to seek a Libyan-Libyan resolution. Today the contours of unity and reconciliation can be more clearly discerned. Libyans are eager to turn the page and reclaim Libyan sovereignty and ownership of their destiny as a people after many years of relentless armed conflict, societal fragmentation and crippling institutional division. This rejuvenation of Libyan patriotism must be sustained, harnessed and supported by the Security Council to open a new path for Libya towards democracy, respect for human rights, accountability and justice under the rule of law.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

21. “Its subsequent endorsement by the Security Council, through resolution 2510 (2020), anchored our effort aimed at bringing the Libyan parties to the negotiating table. One year later, the intra-Libyan dialogues, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) through complementary political, military and economic tracks, have produced tangible progress: a ceasefire is in place; the Tunis road map, adopted in mid-November, has charted the course for the restoration of democratic legitimacy by setting a clear date for national elections and for the establishment of a unified, temporary executive authority; and long-overdue economic and financial reforms are well under way.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

22. “I wish to congratulate Tunisia for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. This month marks one year since Chancellor Merkel of Germany and the Secretary-General convened the Berlin Conference, on 19 January 2020. The Conference did not put an immediate end to the conflict and the suffering of the Libyan people. Nor did foreign support to the warring parties relent, and, indeed, this blatant foreign interference continues. However, the 55-point communiqué agreed by the participating States Members of the United Nations and partner organizations in Berlin articulated a comprehensive framework to address the full range of issues fuelling the Libyan conflict.”

    2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source

23. “I have witnessed in the past several months the potential for a paradigm shift in how the Libyan military, politicians and leaders view their role in charting the country’s path forward, from one of a transactional power-sharing arrangement in which the riches are divided up among the privileged few, to one of sharing responsibility in order to save the country from further destruction. Only shared responsibility nurtured by patriotism and love of country can lead to the shared security and prosperity for which so many Libyans yearn. Libyans deserve if not the support then at least the non-interference of the main international actors as they seek to forge a sovereign political path forward for future Libyan generations.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

24. “We are also providing support to alleviate the suffering of those most affected and in need of assistance owing to the protracted conflict and socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19, and we have reached more than 309,000 people with humanitarian assistance this year. I am optimistic about the way forward in Libya, yet clear-eyed about the many challenges that lie ahead. Ten years of war cannot be solved in one week of political talks, but we hear more now the language of peace than the language of war. For the sake of Libya, 75 Libyans came together in Tunis last week in a good-faith effort to start the process of healing their nation’s wounds. They sat, they talked — as they say in Libya, “gamiz wa hadriz” — and they extended their hands, if not their hearts, to each other.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

25. “Equally, a recent assessment of vaccines in Libya shows that supplies of vaccines for common childhood diseases will run out by the end of the year if no immediate measures are taken to procure and distribute additional supplies. That will be Libya’s second vaccine stock-out in 2020. That means that many children have missed or may miss their scheduled vaccine doses, which increases the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. The United Nations and our partners are at the forefront supporting the national authorities with their COVID-19 response, including by providing health supplies and personal protective equipment, as well as capacity-building for health workers.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

26. “As of 15 November, there were 74,324 confirmed cases and 1,025 deaths. The first two weeks of November saw a 22 per cent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with Libya’s biggest cities — Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi — witnessing the largest increases. With limited testing capacity and poor mortality surveillance, the numbers are a fraction of what health experts suspect to be the true scale of the problem.At a time when we need to focus efforts on combating COVID-19, the continued closure of primary health-care facilities owing to shortages of health-care workers, power cuts and the lack of personal protective equipment affects not just the ability to effectively combat the virus but also people being able to continue to access other essential health services.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

27. “On 12 November, three deadly shipwrecks recorded in one day claimed more than 100 lives. Migrants and refugees remaining in Libya have faced an upsurge in grave protection risks and violations of their human rights. On 10 November, a 15-year- old Eritrean asylum seeker was killed, and two others were injured, when armed men entered the property where they were staying and started shooting. The young victim was awaiting resettlement out of Libya to a third country. That follows other incidents this year in which migrants and refugees have been killed or injured; many others have been arbitrarily detained. As of 8 November, more than 2,000 migrants and refugees were in official detention centres in Libya. The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Libya continues to increase month-on-month.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

28. “Following the suspension of hostilities, the number of displaced people in Libya has decreased from 426,000 people in June to 392,000 people, but their return to their homes has been slow, as basic services are still lacking. The risks posed by booby traps, including improvised explosive devices, landmines and explosive remnants of war, will continue to impede safe and dignified returns until all contaminated areas are cleared. This year, more than 11,000 migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe have been intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, which is by all definitions not a safe port for return. The numbers already far surpass the total for 2019. Hundreds have paid the ultimate price, with more than 900 migrants and refugees drowning or presumed drowned in the Mediterranean in 2020.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

29. “Many people remain arbitrarily detained in Libya, without the judicial systems in place to challenge the basis for their detention. In addition, as the Council has heard before, illegal detention facilities operated by armed groups are part of the war economy, with torture, extortion, rape and other human rights abuses being used as tools of control. I once again reiterate calls for all illegal facilities to be identified and closed. Humanitarian needs, compounded by the increasing impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, will remain in the near term, as agreements on the ground materialize and the economy rebounds. It is estimated that, for the beginning of 2021, 1.3 million people will be in need of some form of humanitarian assistance — an increase of 40 per cent as compared to last year.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

30. “Under the arrangements for resuming oil production, the National Oil Corporation is holding oil revenue in reserve until an agreement is reached. While the Libyan economic dialogue has developed policy options to improve wealth management, negotiating such an arrangement remains challenging given the polarization between the two executive polities. The killing of Hanan Al-Barassi — a lawyer and vocal critic of corruption, the abuse of power and human rights violations — should lead all Libyans to put their differences aside and swiftly forge an inclusive solution to the protracted crisis in order to restore justice and accountability and end the prevailing climate of impunity. Her brutal slaying illustrates the threats faced and the personal risks that Libyan women take for speaking out.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

31. “The Government of National Accord forces remain stationed at Abu Qurayn and Washkah, with patrolling activities reportedly taking place. Military cargo flights were monitored at Watiya and Misrata airports. The Libyan Arab Armed Forces and auxiliaries continued to set up fortifications and military outposts equipped with air defence systems between Sirte and Jufrah and in the northern area of Jufrah airbase. Intense cargo aircraft activity was monitored between Benina airport, Jufrah and Ghardabiya airbase. I request the Council’s support by enforcing relevant resolutions pertaining to the arms embargo. On the economic front, the negotiation of a durable economic arrangement for the transparent distribution of oil revenues remains dependent on advances S/2020/1129 made on the political track.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

32. “We owe it to them that we do ours by fully respecting and supporting the Libyan-Libyan agreements that were reached under the authority of resolution 2510 (2020) and the outcomes of the Berlin Conference. That includes respect for the principle of non-interference in Libya’s internal affairs and the full implementation of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. The Council has tools at its disposal, including to prevent obstructionists from jeopardizing this rare opportunity to restore peace in Libya. I call on the Council to use those tools. Allow me to reiterate that the situation remains volatile — there is no time for complacency. While the Joint Military Commission seeks to operationalize the ceasefire agreement, the two sides have not yet begun to withdraw their forces.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

33. “I trust that that statement will be promptly translated into facts, as I believe that, together with the agreement of the Political Dialogue Forum to hold elections on 24 December 2021 and the exceptional work led by the JMC on security arrangements, there is now a more conducive environment for holding inclusive and credible elections. I also gladly acknowledge that the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections was able to continue with elections in another five municipalities, including in Misrata, the third-largest Libyan city. I congratulate the Committee for succeeding in holding credible elections with all of the necessary precautionary measures in the midst of an ongoing pandemic and despite a challenging post-war environment. More work certainly remains to be done, but the Libyans stood up and did their part.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

34. “Libyans have made it clear: organizing presidential and parliamentary elections is their demand and must be a common objective. The Chair of the High National Elections Commission, Mr. Emad Al-Sayeh, confirmed that that sovereign institution has the technical capacity to implement elections within an enabling political and security environment, a feasible legislative framework and a timely and sufficient budget. I am encouraged by Prime Minister Serraj’s announcement on 16 November that the Government will allocate funds and resources for the Commission.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

35. “I am particularly grateful to the women participants, who played a critical role in the Political Dialogue Forum and made important contributions as bridge-builders. They issued a statement outlining a series of principles and recommendations for improving women’s participation in the political process and governance. They called for better representation in political life and for the State to fulfil its international commitments regarding the rights and protection of women. Their demand that women should account for no less than 30 per cent of leadership positions in the reformed executive authority was also echoed in the road map, attesting to the leading role that women played in the dialogue. Next week, I will reconvene the Forum virtually in order to continue talks on the modalities for the selection of executive positions.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

36. “Key human rights principles that emerged from consultations with civil society actors, including women’s rights activists, were also included in the road map, further serving to underpin a rights-centred process. The Forum’s participants also consensually agreed on the new prerogatives and eligibility criteria for the executive positions. Notably, participants agreed to reform the powers and competencies of the Presidency Council and establish a separate Prime Minister. A Government of national unity will be led by a Prime Minister and two deputies, whose main mandate will be to lead the transitional S/2020/1129 period towards elections, reunify State institutions and provide security and basic services to the population until elections are held.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

37. “With a the date for the elections fixed in 12 months, the road map sets out clear deadlines by which relevant institutions must take action on the appointment of sovereign positions and the endorsement of the new executive authority, failing which the Political Dialogue Forum will reconvene and take decisions, in line with the Berlin Conference conclusions and resolution 2510 (2020). The Forum has been mandated to meet regularly in order to monitor the implementation of the road map with a view to ensuring that the benchmarks towards elections are met. These mechanisms are set up to prevent a new open-ended transition and as a guarantee to the overwhelming demand of the Libyan people for national elections.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

38. “On 15 November, the Political Dialogue Forum adopted a political road map to presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on 24 December 2021. The agreed document, entitled “For the Preparatory Phase of a Comprehensive Solution”, complements the Libyan Political Agreement and sets general principles and objectives guiding the transition period under reconstituted and unified institutions, as well as the main time frames for the endorsement of a new executive authority by the House of Representatives and milestones for the constitutional arrangements and elections.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

39. “In the lead- up, I separately held a series of virtual consultations with large groups of Libyan mayors, women and youth to hear their recommendations and priorities and inform the discussions of the Forum. I would like to reiterate the Organization’s and my personal gratitude for the Tunisian presidency’s gracious hosting of the first round of intra-Libyan political talks. Among the 75 participants representing the main Libyan geographical, social and political constituencies, 26 were elected by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, and 49 — including 16 women — were selected by UNSMIL. I am pleased to report that discussions took place in a constructive and collegial atmosphere, and I applaud the participants for their goodwill and perseverance.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

40. “In combination with the ongoing UNSMIL- facilitated financial audit review of the two branches of the Central Bank of Libya, those twin audits will significantly increase transparency in how public funds are being managed. The high standard of professionalism and responsibility displayed by the Joint Military Commission and the progress achieved on the security track paved the way for the resumption of the political process. Last week, starting formally on 9 November, I convened the first in- person session of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunis, on the basis of the Berlin Conference conclusions endorsed by resolution 2510 (2020).”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

41. “Oil production is now back to pre-blockade levels, at 1.2 million barrels per day. Progress on a transparent economic arrangement for the management of oil revenue would help support that very positive development. The resumption of oil production, in addition to the ceasefire, created the conditions to address underlying security issues. On 16 November, I joined a meeting in Brega with the Chair of the S/2020/1129 National Oil Corporation and the eastern and western commanders of the Petroleum Facilities Guard to discuss the unification and restructuring of the guard force. In another sign of progress, on 13 October the Board of Trustees of the Libyan Investment Authority announced that it would conduct its first comprehensive audit since it was created in 2008.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

42. “I am pleased to report that tangible progress was achieved as part of the package of confidence-building measures agreed in Geneva: flights between Benghazi and Tripoli as well as to Sebha, Ghat and Ubari have resumed, and I am hopeful about the reopening of flights to Ghadames soon. The exchange of detainees continues, facilitated by The Elders and with the support of the Joint Military Commission. The sharp decrease in the number of civilian casualties as compared to the second quarter of 2020 is another stark reminder that when guns are silent, civilians are protected. Following arrangements to remove foreign forces from the oil installations, the National Oil Corporation progressively lifted the force majeure on oil installations, ending the oil blockade that had been imposed on the country for more than nine months.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

43. “In the southern Libyan city of Ghadames, from 2 to 4 November, I joined both delegations as they developed the terms of a Libyan-led and United Nations- supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism to be initially established in an area running from Sawknah to Abu Qurayn and Bin Jawad, in central Libya. In Sirte, from 10 to 13 November, the Joint Military Commission established its headquarters at the Ouagadougou Conference Centre. Participants identified the reopening of the coastal road between Misrata and Sirte, supported by the deployment of a joint security force as well as the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from the area.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

44. “Those efforts resulted, first, in the signing of a countrywide permanent ceasefire agreement in Geneva on 23 October, with immediate effect. There, the 10 military officers who make up the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) set their differences aside and, guided by their patriotic spirit, responded to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. This historic agreement provides for the withdrawal of all military units and armed groups from the front lines and the departure of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from the entire Libyan territory within a period of 90 days. In a further show of Libyan determination, that decision was followed by two subsequent rounds of discussions taking place on Libyan soil to expedite the operationalization of the agreement.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

45. “Since I last briefed the Security Council, on 2 September (see S/2020/879), we have made substantial progress in the search for peace and stability in Libya. After many years of oppression, division, chaos, misery and conflict, Libyans are coming together, for the sake of Libya and for the sake of their children and grandchildren, to chart a Libyan vision for the way forward — one that holds the opportunity to preserve the country’s unity and reassert its sovereignty. As the de facto truce on the ground continued to hold, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), with the support of the Council and the Berlin- established International Follow-up Committee on Libya, facilitated open dialogue to build stability, security and national unity among the Libyan parties.”

    2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source

46. “I remind Council members that, 16 months ago, we were on the cusp of a broadly gauged Libyan national conference that would have established the framework to replace the current divided political structures with one that would have more clearly reflected the legitimate aspirations of all Libyans. That effort was upended by those who falsely believed they could achieve their aims through the use of force. After 14 months of needless death and destruction, they did not succeed. The use of oil as a weapon of war has only exacerbated the misery of the Libyan people and propelled the country towards economic and social collapse. It is therefore clear that the only path out is through dialogue and compromise leading to a comprehensive political settlement and culminating in national elections.”

    2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source

47. “To create the necessary confidence required for a frank and open discussion over the transparent allocation of resources, UNSMIL had long pushed for an international audit of both branches of the Central Bank of Libya, as requested by Prime Minister Serraj in a letter to the Secretary-General in July 2018. I am pleased to report that, thanks to UNSMIL’s support, the international financial review audit was launched on 1 August and is moving forward quickly. This process will advance efforts to unify the two branches of the Central Bank of Libya, enhance accountability and create the transparency needed to inform discussions on the equitable management of revenue.”

    2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source

48. “As of today, and since 8 July, we have convened three virtual rounds of discussions with the GNA delegation and two with the LAAF delegation in an attempt to urge for immediate de-escalation. I encouraged both sides to consider the incremental establishment of a demilitarized area starting with Sirte, supported by a comprehensive set of confidence-building measures. This proposal would also comprise a small international-Libyan joint ceasefire monitoring mechanism. While divergences of views and distrust between the two sides remain high, I call on the Security Council to encourage the parties to refrain from insisting on unrealistic and maximalist positions and participate in good faith for the sake of their country. Addressing the economic drivers of the conflict is at the core of any hope for a sustainable settlement.”

    2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source

49. “It is therefore not surprising that spoilers would seek to sabotage further such exercises, as happened in Traghen on 25 August, when an armed group affiliated with the LAAF forced the suspension of the vote. These green shoots of democracy must be protected. I salute the tireless efforts of the Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections as it continues preparations for elections in a new group of municipalities, starting with Misrata tomorrow. On the military front, UNSMIL continued discussions with delegations of both sides under the auspices of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and moved past areas of convergence identified previously to adjust to new dynamics on the ground.”

    2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source

50. “Libya’s neighbours are directly threatened by the continuing instability and influx of weapons and mercenaries. I also met directly with Prime Minister Serraj, House of Representative Speaker Saleh and High State Council President Al-Mishri, as well as with a number of their representatives and other key figures. I would like to thank the Swiss Government for its superb facilitation of our meetings with Libyans in these difficult times. At all levels, the Mission is engaging with Libyan stakeholders to counsel calm and build the bridges that will ease the political process. In Ghat, on 18 August, the relatively high turnout recorded in municipal elections despite COVID-19-related constraints demonstrated Libyans’ determination to exercise their rights to elect their representatives.”

    2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source