UNSMIL and Libya Sanctions: Statement During Briefing

Thank you Mr. President

My delegation is grateful for the briefing by Mr. Ján Kubiš, Special Envoy of the Secretary General and Amb. Tirumurti, Chair of the 1970 Committee.

We also welcome our colleague, Ambassador Taher Elsonni, Permanent Representative of Libya and look forward to his contribution.

Mr. President,

Libya stands at the cusp of a major breakthrough in its long and painstaking peace process. We recognise the commendable gains achieved through the sheer resilience and determination of the people of Libya.

We also commend the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the critical role of neighbouring states, regional organisations and other partners.

We recall the recent adoption of Security Council resolutions 2570 and 2571 as the required strong voice of this Council and urge that we match it with implementation.

We must be cautious not to lose the momentum. The actions of this Council should be to help the Libyan people press stronger towards the intended mark- a peaceful, secure and stable Libya, devoid of unnecessary foreign interference.

We take note of the Secretary General's report on UNSMIL and agree on the need to ringfence the political gains made towards the delivery of the 24th December elections.

Mr. President,

To inject more impetus into the ongoing process, Kenya emphasizes the need for all parties and member states to fully respect the ceasefire agreement including the immediate departure of foreign fighters and mercenaries, and compliance with the arms embargo.

The Secretariat should, in particular, complete the exercise of detailing requirements for the deployment of the ceasefire monitoring support envisioned under resolution 2570.

Kenya also calls for the deployment of a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme in Libya alongside security sector reforms. We are willing to share our experience in this regard, based on the implementation of our counter-terrorism and radicalization strategy.

However, there is a great risk of fueling the cyclic conflict in the region if the envisaged DDR programme is not accompanied by corresponding similar programmes in neighbouring states.

It is therefore important that UNSMIL, in its support to Libya on this matter, works in close coordination and consultation with neighbouring states, regional organisations and other interested partners.

Kenya urges the Government of National Unity to continue working towards reunification of national institutions for fulfilment of its commitments to the people. We also urge continued investment in national reconciliation and in this regard, we welcome the establishment of the High National Reconciliation Commission.

We note with concern the continued interception at sea, unfair treatment and return of migrants to Libyan ports in violation of their basic human rights. We must re-emphasise that Libya is not a safe port of return and call on all involved to desist from this dehumanising trend.

Mr. President, Sanctions should assist in advancing the peace process. It is important that frozen assets be well guarded for the future benefit of the Libyan people and be appropriately reviewed according to resolution 2571.

We support the implementation of the arms embargo through the renewal of authorisations under resolution 2292 and urge close consultation with the Government of National Unity in their implementation.

Finally, Mr. President, we urge that all member states and regional organisations continue extending support for a truly Libyan-led and owned peace process in a manner that upholds Libya's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.

Thank you.