Remarks During the High-Level Meeting on Libya Convened by the President of the Presidency Council

I thank Your Excellency for convening and hosting us for this very timely discussion.

This meeting enables us to get a clear picture of the situation in Libya without the risk of distortion or inaccuracies often found in reported sources. It also exemplifies the African spirit of joint action in brotherliness sisterliness. Thank you for reminding us that Libya's peace is Africa's peace.

Kenya's voice on the situation in Libya remains clear-The people of Libya reserve the non-negotiable right to choose how they wish to be governed. They must lead and own the peace process. This has guided our engagement bilaterally, within the African Union and at the United Nations Security Council.

We note the ongoing effort by your government to make progress in several outstanding issues such as clarity on a constitutional basis for elections and the adoption of a unified budget, among other important issues. We urge the people of Libya to celebrate and build on the milestones achieved as a motivation to soldier on notwithstanding the odds.

During the Security Council briefing on UNSMIL earlier this month, we called on the political actor in Libya to consider each other as fellow countrymen and countrywomen and exercise flexibility and compromise for the collective gains of your nation and your future generations. This is necessary for the much-needed progress in the political track.

Mr. President, in Kenya we have experienced firsthand, the benefits of choosing to mutually cede ground to each other in our different persuasions for the sake of our nation. We have enjoyed certain clear historical peace moments by this, such as through the famous handshake that has reverberated through several other countries in positive witness. Excellency, it is African to shake hands in peace, just as it is to extend a hand of help.

This speaks, your excellency, to the process of national reconciliation that you have been, personally steering. We believe that it is what will sustain the positive steps that you will achieve along the way. We recall the African Union's commitment to support Libya through this process.

But besides our support through the African Union, we also offer ourselves to share our experiences and lessons learned. We therefore welcome your proposals on how we may be of more support to you and your fellowmen.

I also propose more consideration of the following issues:

The need to capitalise on the strength and cooperation of neighbouring countries and the African Union to push for action where needed;

The importance of collaborative and coordinative approaches between UNSMIlL and the region on issues with regional dimensions to help create a wider protection for Libya; and,

The need for caution in the coordination and management of external interests in Libya which pose a risk of opening up other fronts of destabilising rivalries.

Finally, your Excellency I reassure you and the people of Libya of Kenya's solidarity as you navigate the delicate process that will see the reemergence of Libya as a peaceful and prosperous nation.

We wish you well and God's speed going forward.

Thank you.