Explanation of vote by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the situation in Libya

Thank you President.

Slovenia welcomes the adoption today of a resolution renewing authorizations for inspections on the high seas off the coast of Libya of vessels suspected of violating the UN arms embargo, as originally set out in Resolution 2292.

We voted in favour of the text, and we thank both France and Greece for their efforts as penholders.

President,

The recent rapid deterioration and escalation of violence in Libya, which resulted in civilian casualties and serious damage to civilian infrastructure, is deeply regrettable. While the subsequent truce agreement has been very welcome, and we commend the role of SRSG Hanna Tetteh and UNSMIL, the situation in Libya clearly remains fragile and volatile.

We were especially alarmed by the use of heavy weaponry by armed groups in densely populated areas during the recent clashes. It exposed the crucial need to uphold the UN arms embargo and its enforcement mechanisms, preventing the illicit flow of weaponry into the country and throughout the region. This is the collective responsibility of the Security Council and of the international community. We view this Resolution adopted today, authorising vessel inspections, as a concrete contribution to this shared goal.

EU Operation IRINI is currently the only international actor carrying out this important work, in cooperation with the UN, Libyan authorities and neighbouring countries. IRINI represents a strong signal of the European Union’s commitment and active support to security and stability in Libya, in line with relevant Security Council Resolutions and international law. Slovenia is proud to have participated in the Mission since its establishment.

We believe that all Member States and regional organizations alike can complement the efforts of Operation IRINI and we encourage them to do so, including by inspecting, in their own territories, cargo bound to or from Libya, as outlined in the Secretary General’s most recent report.

It is welcome that, owing to today’s adoption, Operation IRINI will continue to implement its mandate for a further six months and hopefully beyond.

President,

At a sensitive and pivotal time for Libya, we believe that today’s adoption is in our collective interests and in particular in the interest of the Libyan people, as we attempt to forge political consensus and move the country away from the cycle of violence.

Thank you.

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