Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy
Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council
meeting on Libya.
Colleagues, the briefers have given us a stark assessment of the
fragile stalemate in Libya. The current situation is
unsustainable, with some Libyan actors pursuing their own
interests, only benefiting a handful of Libya's elites. The
Libyan people deserve political stability in a unified country
with peace, security and prosperity.
I would like to make three points today.
First, we welcome the successful first phase of municipal
elections in Libya, marking the first time Libyans have gone to
the polls in over a decade. We must build on this success, and we
call on Libyan authorities to provide the necessary resources and
leadership for the second phase.
Second, we welcome the plan DSRSG Koury has outlined today for a
new, inclusive, Libyan-led effort to lead the country towards
elections and a sustainable, secure, prosperous future.
The UN plan provides a framework, but the solutions can only come
from Libyans themselves. We encourage Libya's leaders to engage
with the UN process in good faith and with the spirit of
compromise, for the benefit of all Libyans.
We stress our continued support to UNSMIL and DSRSG Koury in the
implementation of her plan to achieve a long-term political
solution and to enable elections.
Third, we welcome the Panel of Experts recent report and
recommendations. We share their concerns around the continued
ineffectiveness of the arms embargo, the increasing smuggling of
diesel, and the violations and abuses of human rights.
We look forward to working with Council members to renew the
sanctions regime and panel of expert's mandate next month.
Finally, President, we encourage the UN to appoint a new Special
Representative as soon as possible.
President, with international unity and the engagement of Libya's
leaders, we can work together to find political solutions and
enable a better future for the Libyan people. The UK fully
supports the efforts of the UN and DSRSG Koury in achieving this.
