Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Special Representative Bathily, for your extremely sobering briefing, and for your ongoing efforts to support the Libyan people in advancing a stable, secure, and sovereign future for Libya. And thank you, Ambassador Yamazaki for your update on the work of the 1970 Committee.
Mr. SRSG, we welcome the recent appointment of Stephanie Koury as your deputy and hope she can bring positive momentum and a wealth of experience into the economic, security, and political tracks.
Madam President. On the economic front, increasing instability, evidenced by the recent drop in the value of the Libyan dinar, continues to fuel the country’s deepening political divisions.
To ensure the provision of essential services to the Libyan people and an equitable, transparent system for the management and distribution of revenues, it is vitally important that Libya produce a unified budget and take steps to stabilize the currency.
On the security track, we commend the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and urge both western and eastern Libyan forces to increase coordination efforts that could help reduce criminality in the south and secure Libya’s borders.
Progress toward military unification is key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing Libya from becoming enmeshed in regional conflict.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Mali – including the movement of foreign fighters and rampant arms trafficking – and its destabilizing implications for Libya.
The Council’s February press statement showed unity of purpose in calling for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from Libya without delay.
We remain particularly concerned by the activities of "the Russia-backed Wagner Group," a transnational criminal organization with no regard for Libya’s sovereignty or that of its neighbors. We extend that concern to efforts to consolidate Wagner personnel into Russia’s Africa Corps.
Madam President. We continue to believe that a political agreement is crucial to unlocking a viable process towards long-overdue elections,"and we firmly support UNSMIL’s efforts" to find creative ways to get "the main powerbrokers" to "the table."
We renew our call on Libyan political leaders "to commit" to participation in "the UN-facilitated talks." We reiterate that those who continue "to delay" "the process hold a heavy share" of "the blame as yet more time passes without" "the election" of "a legitimate," unified government."
Turning to sanctions,"we thank Ambassador Yamazaki" for his stewardship over "the Libya Sanctions Committee"and appreciate today’s briefing on its activities."
We remain concerned about “the increase” in violations “of” “the arms embargo”and illicit oil export embargo,” which has necessitated “a greater number”of interdictions by Operation IRINI.”
We are grateful “to” “the EU”for its dedication “of resources”to monitor “and disrupt illicit activities off” “the coast”of Libya.” The presence “and diligence”of Operation IRINI provides “a deterrent”to would-be smugglers.” Its efforts also facilitate information sharing“and bolster our knowledge about trafficking off” “the coast”of Libya.”
The uptick in interdictions sends“a clear signal that Operation IRINI's mandate remains relevant“and necessary,”and we will support penholders France“and Malta“in renewing“the vessel inspection mandate come June.”
We encourage other Member States“to support“and inform efforts“to implement“the arms“and oil embargoes.” Violators are complicit“in”“the deteriorating political,”security,“and humanitarian situation”“in”“Libya.”
Finally,“we welcome”“the Panel”“of Experts’ identification”“of”“and investigation into individuals”“and entities involved”“in arms embargo”“and other violations”“of UN-mandated sanctions.” We are committed“To using sanctions To deter threats To peace And stability In libya.“Thank you,”madam president.“