STATEMENT
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR Amar BENDJAMA
Permanent REPRESENTATIVE OF Algeria
Madam President,
1. I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely: Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Algeria.
2. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Stephanie Koury, DSRSG and head of UNSMIL, for her insightful briefing and update on the situation in Libya.
3. We wish to thank Ambassador Yamazaki for his briefing on the work of the 1970 Sanctions Committee. We also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today's meeting.
Madam President,
4. The A3+ welcomes the successful conduct of municipal elections in 58 municipalities across Libya, marking an important step towards strengthening local governance and promoting stability in the country.
5. We commend the High National Elections Commission for the successful management of this democratic process. We also recognize the critical roles played by UNSMIL, Libyan authorities, civil society, and all actors involved in ensuring the security of electoral operations across the country.
6. Our group urges the relevant authorities to support the newly elected municipal leaders as they work towards delivering services to the Libyan people.
7. We welcome the announcement of the High National Elections Commission regarding the start of the electoral process for 59 municipalities, in January 2025. This step is vital for strengthening democracy and empowering citizens to shape the future of Libya.
Madam President,
8. The A3+ welcomes and fully supports the appointment of the Board of Directors Central for the Bank of Libya (CBL). We see this development as a crucial step towards implementing the UNSMIL-facilitated CBL agreement, signed last September.
9. This breakthrough is crucial for safeguarding CBL’s independence, integrity, transparency, and accountability. This development will enable the effective management of Libya's Monetary Policy, ultimately contributing to the country's economic stability and prosperity.
Madam President,
10. Libya's leaders have demonstrated their commitment to the nation's interests by successfully holding local elections and appointing CBL’s Board of Directors.
11. To build on this momentum, we urge Libyan actors and institutions to refrain from actions that can undermine these positive steps, reverse unilateral measures that fuel tensions, and prioritize dialogue and cooperation, without preconditions and in a spirit of compromise.
12. It is imperative to address the deepening institutional divisions and erosion of trust among Libyans, which could have severe consequences.
13. The role of the United Nations remains crucial in facilitating a Libyan-led national dialogue among key stakeholders. This dialogue is a necessary starting point for resolving outstanding issues, conducting successful national elections and unifying Libyan institutions.
14. Reaching consensus on these critical issues is essential for the success of Libya's elections, a cornerstone of the country's progress.
15. We strongly encourage further steps to cement a stable political landscape, including unifying state institutions.
16. With this in mind, our group reiterates the importance of a unified focus on resolving outstanding issues related to the electoral framework, with a view to removing key obstacles on the path to national elections.
17. In this regard, the A3+ welcomes UNSMIL’s proposal to revitalize Libya’s political process, foster trust among key stakeholders, and pave the way for national elections, while preserving stability on the ground.
18. It is crucial that all parties involved in the Libyan crisis fully support and participate in UNSMIL's mediation efforts, in good faith and without preconditions.
19. Inclusive participation is key to achieving a sustainable and peaceful settlement. Ensuring that everyone, especially women and youth, has a meaningful and safe opportunity to contribute to the future of Libya is essential.
20. Their active involvement in the political process empowers these groups, and fosters a more representative and just governance structure.
21. As we approach the end of the UNSMIL mandate, next January, the A3+ expresses deep concern that there has been little progress in appointing a new SRSG. This appointment is crucial and urgent, as it can enable the automatic extension of the mandate for a further nine months.
22. We stress that continuity is vital to addressing the outstanding issues related to the electoral laws and strongly reiterate our call for the appointment of the SRSG and Head of UNSMIL.
Madam President,
23. We take positive note of the meeting held in Tunis on 5 and 6 December, to discuss the draft law on reconciliation proposed by the Presidency Council. We look forward to its finalization to ensure a fair, transparent process that responds to the needs of the victims of gross human rights violations and promotes rights-based reconciliation in Libya.
24. We, also, warmly welcome the announcement by the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, regarding the forthcoming "National Reconciliation Charter", which is slated for presentation to the Libyans in the upcoming National Reconciliation Conference.
25. Together, these two instruments can facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive reconciliation process.
Madam President,
26. The A3+ remains deeply concerned by the ongoing security challenges in Libya, including persistent clashes between armed groups, despite the 2020 ceasefire agreement. The continued presence of foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries exacerbates tensions and threatens Libya's sovereignty.
27. We demand their immediate and complete withdrawal to create an environment conducive to political dialogue and lasting stability.
28. The A3+ is gravely concerned by the findings of the Panel of Experts on the total ineffectiveness of the arms embargo, a critical component of our strategy to protect Libyan civilians.
29. Despite the embargo, weapons continue to flow, fueling the conflict. We urge all Member States to fully respect the arms embargo.
30. The Panel of Experts' report also reveals alarming violations of the protection of Libyan assets, undermining their intended purpose of benefiting the Libyan people in the future. The systematic depletion of these resources through excessive fees and illicit transfers, is unacceptable.
31. The credibility of this Council hinges on our ability to halt the depletion of Libyan resources.
32. Let us be reminded that the sanctions regime against Libya is not a punitive measure, but rather a protective mechanism: a shield designed to foster peace and prosperity for all Libyans.
Madam President
33. The humanitarian situation in Libya, especially the massive movement of migrants and refugees from regions experiencing instability, highlights the urgent need for streamlined humanitarian aid and coordinated efforts from Libyan institutions. International cooperation is, therefore, crucial to ensure their safety, dignity, and human rights.
34. We call upon Libyan authorities to uphold the principles of human rights. It is crucial to create a society where all individuals, including women, can thrive and contribute to the nation's progress.
35. To conclude, Madam President, the A3+ would like to express its full support to UNSMIL in facilitatiing an inclusive, intra-Libyan, multi-track process to unblock the current political stalemate.
36. The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the resilient people of Libya, during these challenging times. We strongly believe that they will overcome the obstacles they face.
I thank you, Madam President!
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