UNSMIL Mandate Renewal: Explanation of Vote

Thank you Madam President,

Kenya thanks the Penholder and fellow members of the Council for their commitment to the peace process in Libya.

It is clear that we all want UNSMIL to succeed particularly at this critical juncture of the transition in Libya. However, the technical rollover of UNSMIL's mandate is indicative of the failure of the Council to reach a common understanding and approach to facilitate UNSMIL's success.

More critically for Kenya, the technical rollover represents a missed opportunity for the inclusion of important elements including support for Libya's national reconciliation efforts and taking into account issues of interest to the neighbouring states and the region and acknowledging the important role they play in support of the peace process.

While acknowledging the effort of the Penholder and all Members, it is disappointing that the protracted negotiations, for which we acknowledge the efforts of the Penholder, did not yield the much-needed consensus.

The Security Council must be cautious on the message it is sending out to Libyans and to the world. It should not appear that decisions from this council are influenced by a few.

Indeed, to avoid sending out the wrong messages to the people of Libya and the region we must listen to Libya and we must listen to Africa. We recall that the African voice was strong in seeking inclusion in the top leadership during the last mandate renewal.

We therefore urge the Council to listen to Africa better and this includes placing Africans in the leadership of peace processes in Africa. We must walk the talk of inclusion.

Finally Madam President, Kenya remains committed to the peace process in Libya and we will fully continue engaging with all members of the Council, Libya and regional states and organisations to come up with decisions that effectively respond to the interest of the people of Libya from this Council.

I Thank you