Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at UNSC meeting on the situation in Libya

Thank you very much Madam President and I want to join others in congratulating you, Madam President, congratulating SRSG Tetteh, our women colleagues on the Council and all women diplomats on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. We cherish working together for a better world and we need your wisdom more than ever before.

I want to thank Special Representative Tetteh for her briefing and updates on the latest developments in Libya, and I welcome the Representative of Libya to the meeting.

Madam President,

We share the deep concern of SRSG and others around this table about the recent rapid deterioration and escalation of violence in Libya, which resulted in civilian casualties and serious damage to civilian infrastructure. The Security Council spoke out on this, in clear terms, in its press statement of 17 May.

While the subsequent truce agreement has been very welcome, the situation in the country clearly remains fragile and volatile. We commend the constructive role played by Special Representative Tetteh and UNSMIL in restoring relative calm, and welcome the establishment with the Presidency Council of a ‘Truce Committee’. We condemn all truce violations, and we stress that those responsible for violence against civilians must be held to account. It is critical that the truce is sustained, and that all actors work together constructively to de-escalate and to achieve a permanent ceasefire.

Madam President,

Several aspects of recent clashes pose serious cause for concern. Proliferation of heavy weaponry and its use in densely populated areas was especially alarming. It exposes the critical need to uphold the UN arms embargo and its implementation mechanisms.

We were also disturbed by reports of unnecessary force used against protestors in Tripoli. All actors have a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law. At the same time Libyans’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be ensured. A thriving civic space is especially critical in any pre-electoral period.

Furthermore, the discovery of mass graves at several locations in Tripoli in the aftermath of the clashes is deeply shocking. We urge that full access to these sites be given to the competent authorities and for investigations to be undertaken in line with international standards, to ensure accountability.

The recent escalation teaches us that the status quo in Libya is neither acceptable nor sustainable, a point stressed also by the SRSG today. There can be no return to violence. Recent regional flare-ups along Libya’s borders are also concerning. The need for unification of state institutions, including military apparatus, and for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, is as critical as ever. The ceasefire agreement of October 2020 must be implemented, in all its aspects.

Madam President,

As many experiences have proven throughout history, sometimes from moments of darkness come glimpses of opportunity. We hope that Libyan actors can now take this opportunity to come together, to set aside narrow interests, and to revive an inclusive political process which is Libyan led and owned and can take the country to long-overdue national elections.  

Slovenia welcomes the recent publication of the report and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, and the ongoing consultations with Libyan actors including Libyan civil society, women and youth. The feedback of Libyans themselves on these options is crucial towards the establishment of a Roadmap. We also welcome the convening in Berlin last week of the International Follow-Up Committee on Libya, co-hosted with Germany.

We reiterate our full support to UNSMIL and to Special Representative Tetteh, as she charts a path forward and reinvigorates international commitments to overcoming the political impasse in Libya. We encourage all stakeholders to put their weight fully behind these efforts, and to end the cycle of violence and instability once and for all.

Thank you.

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