Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Libya.
"President I would like to make three points.
First, Libya's economic trajectory is alarming.
With no unified budget and, as SRSG Tetteh said, no oversight,
present levels of public spending by Libyan authorities risk
rapidly diminishing the nation's wealth.
Competition for state resources is putting Libya's institutions
under grave pressure, and risks fuelling renewed conflict.
Libya has the resources to build a prosperous future. But to
achieve it, Libya's leaders must put aside narrow interests and
agree on a unified economic framework in the national
interest.
We welcome the return of the World Bank to Tripoli to support
this work.
Second, the UK is deeply concerned by the destabilising
activities of Libyan security actors and armed groups.
This includes reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions,
kidnappings, imprisonment without due process and assassination
attempts.
There needs to be accountability for such acts, to support civic
space and trust in Libya's law enforcement.
The recent closure of humanitarian organisations' offices and
detention of their employees is particularly troubling.
We urge Libyan authorities to work with international NGOs and
resolve differences through dialogue.
Humanitarian organisations are an indispensable part of our
collective efforts to support Libya, including to help address
the Libyan authority's concerns about illegal migration.
Third, Libya's economic and security challenges underscore the
urgent need for progress on the political track.
Libya needs a comprehensive, inclusive political process which
will provide the foundation for sound economic governance, rule
of law and accountability, and help tackle corruption.
The UK strongly supports UNSMIL's efforts and commends SRSG
Tetteh for her leadership.
A revitalised political process, flowing from the Advisory
Committee's deliberations, presents a real opportunity to chart a
path towards the peace, stability and prosperity that the Libyan
people deserve and yearn for, as I heard during my own visit to
Libya and in more recent exchanges with young Libyans.
So we urge all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the
UN's efforts and the Advisory Committee's recommendations."
