General Assembly Security Council

UNSC Meeting on United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

[26 May 2022; 1500 hours]

 

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumuti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Madam President, 

 

At the outset, I would like to thank the Under Secretary General (USG) Rosemary Di Carlo for her briefing today.

 

2.    The challenges faced by Libya came in sharp focus earlier this month with reports of clashes outside Tripoli. It is imperative that all outstanding political issues are resolved peacefully by the parties concerned, keeping the larger interests of the Libyan people in mind. We hope that all parties will work together to maintain peace and stability in the country. In this regard, we once again reiterate the importance of holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections at the earliest, which would be critical in carrying forward the momentum generated by the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement. 

 

3.    The priority right now is to ensure that elections are held at the earliest in a free, fair, inclusive, and credible manner. We hope that all parties in Libya can unite around this common purpose. We note that positive movement has been achieved in several areas by the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, and look forward to an early consensus between the Libyan parties on the constitutional basis for holding the elections. 

 

Madam President,

 

4.    It is important for the Security Council and the international community to support the Libyan people as they prepare for the elections. Violence of any form could undermine the progress achieved since 2020, and should be strongly opposed. 

 

5.    The sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Libya needs to be safeguarded. The political process must be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no imposition or external interference. 

 

6.    It is also important to see concrete progress in the full and complete withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries. It is regrettable that after over a year and a half since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement we are yet to see tangible progress in this regard. Continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries is detrimental to the peace and stability of the country and the region. 

 

7.    In this context, let me also stress the importance of planning for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups and non-state armed actors. Libya also needs an inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process. 

 

8.    It is also important for the international community to focus its attention on the threat of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Reports of the Secretary General have highlighted the presence of training camps of ISIL and its affiliates in southern Libya. ISIL’s continued ability to launch attacks is deeply concerning. The focus of this Council should be to eliminate every threat posed by ISIL and other terror groups anywhere in the world. Terrorism is a growing threat to Africa and it is important for the Security Council to focus on this issue before it is too late. 

 

Madam President,

 

9.    India has traditionally enjoyed close and mutually beneficial bilateral ties with Libya and we remain committed to supporting Libya and the Libyan people in their endeavour to bring about lasting peace in the country.

 

I thank you.

 

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