18 April 2023
Thank you,
I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing.
We support his efforts in the process of enabling national elections in Libya this year, through a comprehensive approach and inclusivity.
I also thank Ambassador Ishikane for his report as chair of the 1970 committee.
While we recognize the new impetus and dynamic in Libya, the overall situation remains a source of concern.
We are happy to see positive developments in the security and military field and we welcome the 5+5 Joint Military Commission Meetings with Military and Security Leaders.
Every effort towards the unification of the Libyan army is a step towards national reconciliation and unity. We are particularly encouraged by the engagement of the military leaders to provide support for the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in 2023.
Unfortunately, on the political front, despite efforts, the impasse continues, and so does the legitimacy crises of the institutions, leaving unanswered the hopes of millions of Libyans who want and deserve to be heard about the future of their country.
The political leaders must respond to these aspirations, leave behind their narrow interests and embrace a firm path towards holding of the presidential and parliamentary elections across the country in 2023.
They must understand that Libyan transition goes through agreed solutions based on political will to secure the legal basis for a conducive environment for the holding of national elections. Just like their military counterparts, they should not be locked into tricks generating indefinite delays that perpetuate the unsustainable status quo.
Albania strongly supports the efforts of SRSG Bathily for an inclusive political process in line with the Security Council resolutions. Such process should be participatory, transparent and consensual. The involvement of women, youth, civil society and all factions of Libyan society is crucial for its credibility and outcome.
We reiterate our call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries. Libya should build its future without any foreign interference.
Needless to say that the political deadlock is also having a detrimental impact on the Libyan economy and on the well-being of the Libyan people. We reiterate our position that national resources of Libya should go to the benefit of all Libyans and must be redistributed in a fair and equitable manner.
Colleagues,
While Libya struggles to find the entry point to its future, the human rights situation has seriously deteriorated. War crimes and crimes against humanity such as arbitrary detention, murder, rape, enslavement, extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance, including against migrants, committed by State security forces and armed militia groups must be fully investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.
We reiterate our call on the Libyan authorities to take decisive steps to provide justice and redress to the vast number of victims suffering from longstanding violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Libya needs without delay a responsible political process leading to free and fair elections. Its needs a national reconciliation process based on the principles of transitional justice, in respect of human rights and the needs of all Libyans, including victims of violations and abuses.
Only this will help Libyans heal the wounds of the past and chart the path ahead.
I thank you!