Statement by Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, at the Security Council briefing on Libya / UNSMIL —
Thank you Madam President. Thank you Mr. SR for your comprehensive briefing and continuous efforts.
Madam President, Italy remains at the forefront of the international support to the Libyan people, to the institutions validated by the Skhirat agreement and to UNSMIL’s crucial mediation role. We are committed to the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement, while pushing at the same time for reconciliation and inclusiveness
Madam President, my first point is the political and security track. Cohesive support from the international community is key to consolidate the results attained so far, fight terrorism and achieve stability. Our messaging should then be clear: first, the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord headed by PM Serraj remain the sole legitimate executive authorities of Libya, in line with UNSCR 2259, and we intend to support them as strongly as ever, also for their crucial role in fighting terrorism; second, we encourage initiatives aimed at consolidating the Skhirat framework and improving it where possible, finding workable solutions to outstanding issues, including strengthened inclusivity, within the Libyan Political Agreement framework; third, we promote the cooperation of the Presidency Council with all legitimate Libyan institutions to broaden its base of support and achieve a sustainable
political settlement.
There is no military solution to Libya’s problems. A solution can only be achieved through inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation. We reject any attempt to use force to acquire political and territorial gains and we emphasize the difference between acts against the terrorist threat and acts that can lead to further deterioration of the situation in Libya. We are following with concern
the recent violence in the south and the city of Sebha and we call for full de-escalation and avoiding provocative initiatives
We welcome the ongoing efforts by neighboring countries and regional organizations. Cohesive and coordinated international efforts to support the UN-mediated political process can foster a constructive attitude of the Libyan players towards the full implementation of the LPA.
Second, efforts towards reconciliation. We need to consolidate the progress achieved so far by the country, in very challenging circumstances. We have enhanced our capacity to reach out to the Libyan people and communities in the whole country, also through our Embassy in Tripoli. We deem it crucial to promote stability through an engagement with all Libya parties. We are regularly reaching out to the East, actively promoting dialogue and reciprocal understanding with key political and security figures, including Gen. Haftar. We are encouraging a constructive approach, including on the crucial issue of implementing the formal security set-up laid out in the LPA, with unified and strengthened national security forces under civilian oversight. In this regard, we echo the SG report welcoming progress on the formation of the Presidential Guard.
We are also stepping up our humanitarian help in coordination with the Presidential Council, for example by offering medical treatment in Italy to injured Libyans, including from the East, who were involved in the fight against terrorism. And we are planning to step up our diplomatic presence in the East with a Consulate and visa office in Tobruk.
We are also focusing on the South of Libya, another key strategic area of the country. We have repeatedly provided emergency aid to those fragile communities and we are promoting initiatives to enhance dialogue with local municipalities. On March 31, representatives of the Tebu and the Awlad Suleiman tribes signed in Rome a deal aimed at fostering reconciliation, fighting against terrorism and
countering human trafficking. Tuareg representatives and the Presidency Council, through Deputy PM Kajman, attended the ceremony.
Third, the economy. We remain concerned by the latest development around oil infrastructures. As new sparks of tension arise, it is crucial to reiterate our support to the mandate of the National Oil Company (NOC), acting under the authority of the Presidency Council, to manage the oil infrastructures, resources and revenues for the benefit of all Libyans, in line with the LPA.
We support the Libyan Economic Dialogue to encourage cooperation between the PC, the GNA and the Central Bank of Libya. For the first time in years, the Government has a budget to implement initiatives for the good of the Libyan people. We call now on the GNA and Central Bank to stay their course and implement their agreement to keep the economy functioning, ensure the necessary funds for government activities, bring the budget under control and end the liquidity crisis.
Last, migration. We reiterate our concern for the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking that endanger the lives of thousands of people in the Mediterranean Sea. In its efforts to combine security, solidarity and development, Italy remains committed to rescuing people at sea and helping the thousands migrants who reach our shores (8.500 people were rescued during the Easter weekend). But a stronger, common effort is needed to enhance the capacity of the Libyan authorities to disrupt criminal networks that exploit illegal
migration flows.
Italy – also through its leadership role in the EU Operation Sophia – is therefore working in partnership with Libya to jointly address this common challenge, fostering cooperation in the area of the prevention of illegal immigration, human trafficking and smuggling, border security, based on a comprehensive approach. It is a key step toward better management of migration flows, which will also
sustain the stability of Libya, its neighboring countries and the Mediterranean.
Madam President, in conclusion, we consider particularly important for the Libyans themselves to be hearing from this Council that we share their desire for a secure, democratic, prosperous and unified Libya, where state authority and the rule of law prevail. This is indeed our challenge: to not let the Libyan people and institutions down, accompanying them back to stability and prosperity, standing by their side in the fight against terrorism and the criminal gangs of smugglers of human beings.
Thank you
