UNSMIL Mandate Renewal: Explanation of Vote
Kenya's national statement, delivered by Amb. Michael Kiboino, Deputy Permanent Representative
Thank you Madam President
Kenya considers that it is crucially important that the United Nations provides full support to Libya's peace process in a dedicated and on-the-ground manner. That is why we have voted to renew the mandate of UNSMIL this morning.
Madam President,
We have seen remarkable positive developments in the peace process over the past two years - an indication of the commitment and desire of the people of Libya to transition their country to a new era of peace and stability. This commitment requires a robust and substantive UN Mission mandate that is able to play an effective supportive role in this regard.
But it is deeply regrettable that after three consecutive technical rollovers of the mandate of UNSMIL, this Council has once again failed to agree on a sufficiently substantive mandate - ending up with what is, to all intents and purposes, a fourth technical rollover.
We must be reminded that the mandate of UNSMIL is for the service of the interest of the people of Libya. It is unfortunate, that the Council is unable to structure the UN support to meet this responsibility, in accord with the purposes and principles of the Charter.
Madam President,
Successful conflict resolution requires prioritisation and sequencing of activities within a broader comprehensive peace framework to achieve sustainable outcomes.
We are persuaded of the need to mainstream a Libyan-led and owned dialogue and reconciliation in all the tracks and stages of the Libya peace process. And the prevailing political impasse makes it more critical than ever before.
On several occasions, the need for a national dialogue and reconciliation has been underscored in this Chamber by Libya and other briefers. The least, this Council should do is to listen and respond positively to the needs of affected Member States.
We are therefore disappointed that our expectations that the new UNSMIL mandate would provide for support for an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue and reconciliation process did not materialize. We will still continue to amplify the voice of the Libyan people by championing this need, among other important issues that most of us agree on to be incorporation in the next resolution.
Finally, Madam President, we reaffirm our commitment to the peace process in Libya and will continue to push for decisions that effectively respond to a truly Libyan-led and owned peace process.
Thank you