17 April 2025
Thank you Mr. President,
I would like to start first by warmly welcoming SRSG Ms Hanna Tetteh in the Council, thank her for her detailed briefing and express the full support of Greece and this mission in the discharge of her new duties as new Special Representative in Libya.
Mr. President,
The launch of UNSMIL-facilitated deliberations by an advisory committee of Libyan experts is a step towards the right direction; that of the revival of an inclusive, Libyan-led, Libyan-owned political process which will pave the way towards the holding of national elections and the reunification of state institutions.
We welcome the positive reactions by several Libyan stakeholders to the announcement of the political process and we call on all parties to fully support UNSMIL’s mediation and good offices efforts.
After all, the Mission plays a key role in promoting peace and fostering an inclusive political process towards a better future for Libya.
At the same time, as mentioned in the latest SG Report, overcoming the leadership crisis in the High Council of State is a significant prerequisite for a successful political process. Only a unified Council can correspond effectively to its mandate under the Libyan Political Agreement and engage constructively in the political process.
In parallel, an agreement on a balanced and unified budget, with strong oversight mechanisms, remains equally important. Libya’s economic governance cannot be exercised effectively without the transparent and equitable use of resources for the benefit of the Libyan people.
On the military front, the situation remains fragile as well. While we welcome recent efforts by military and security actors from Eastern and Western Libya to enhance coordination on matters of national security, we remain concerned over the prolonged presence of foreign military forces in the country.
There needs to be a clear timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, regular and irregular, as well as mercenaries from the Libyan soil, as their presence is not conducive to stability, the advancement of the political process in Libya and the holding of free, fair and democratic elections.
Furthermore, continued violations of international law, including human rights law, in combination with the persistent lack of accountability cannot be overlooked.
A reformed criminal justice system, ensuring the rights of detainees and holding the perpetrators of violations accountable, is essential for Libya’s future.
As a matter of fact, we welcome the access granted to UNSMIL to some detention facilities. Full access for the Mission and other human rights organizations to all places of detention would constitute an important step towards the establishment of an appropriate judicial environment.
In addition, Libya’s stability is crucial for the control of migration flows, an issue that remains important for the EU and especially its members with maritime borders in the Mediterranean.
In addition, we remain concerned over the ongoing violence against migrants and refugees in Libya. Their dignity and rights must be guaranteed at all times and the trafficking networks must be dismantled.
Mr. President,
The implementation of the Council’s decisions on sanctions remains a challenge. Particularly, when it comes to the implementation of the UN arms embargo in Libya through the EU Operation “IRINI”, we must acknowledge that the operation is striving to fulfil its mandate.
As reflected in the last UN Panel of Experts’ Report, there have been incidents of repeated and persistent -even aggressive- refusals to allow for the inspection of ships suspected of violating the arms embargo.
Therefore, Greece will spare no effort to contribute constructively to the renewal of the Operation’s mandate, which expires in May and is crucial for safeguarding peace and stability in Libya and the Mediterranean.
Mr. President,
In concluding, let me stress that Greece, as a neighbouring country, fully supports Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
A strong and prosperous country, worthy of the proud Libyan people, where the rule of Law is respected.
A unified country, free from any form of foreign interference and with respect for International Law, including the Law of the Sea.
A stable country for the entire region.
We sincerely thank Ms Tetteh and her team for their work since taking office, as well as the staff of UNSMIL for their continued dedicated efforts towards peace and prosperity—a destination which can only be reached through dialogue.
I thank you.