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ÙNSMIL calls on the Libyan parties to explore, without delay, ways to increase mutual trust and reach consensus for the next elections
TRIPOLI, Libya, October 31, 2021 / APO Group / -The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is closely monitoring the ongoing efforts to finalize the legal framework for the Libyan national elections reviewed by the House of Representatives (HoR).
On the eve of the next session of the CoR, UNSMIL calls for the adoption of the necessary adjustments, including those proposed by the High National Commission for Elections (HNEC), to allow the holding of a free, fair parliamentary debate. , inclusive and credible. and presidential simultaneously on December 24, in accordance with the Libyan political roadmap and Security Council resolutions 2570 (2021) and 2571 (2021), and the conclusions of the second Berlin conference for Libya.
UNSMIL stresses that only an inclusive legal framework will pave the way for a credible and inclusive electoral process. Respect for the principle of simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on December 24, 2021 is necessary to preserve the integrity of the electoral process, strengthen its credibility and the right and aspirations of the Libyan people to democratically elect their representatives and leaders as well as the acceptance of election results.
UNSMIL recalls the obligations under relevant international conventions to which the Libyan state is a party, to protect the rights of citizens to participate in public affairs. In this regard, the Mission calls for the lifting of restrictions on participation in the elections to allow Libyans holding public office to have the possibility of suspending their functions as from the filing of their candidacy for the presidential elections, as proposed by the NHEC. .
The Mission also urges Libyan institutions to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in elections and to put in place all the necessary arrangements to protect voters and candidates.
ÙNSMIL calls on the Libyan parties to explore, without delay, ways to increase mutual trust and build consensus for the next elections. In this regard, UNSMIL welcomes the willingness of the Presidency Council to bring together relevant Libyan actors to resolve contested aspects related to the electoral process, build consensus and increase confidence in the process, and stands ready to support this process. business. “UNSMIL continues to engage all relevant Libyan parties to facilitate efforts to put in place a framework for legislative and presidential elections that is in line with the Libyan political roadmap and Security Council resolutions, and has a broad acceptance of Libyan stakeholders, which is essential for successful elections, ”said Special Envoy Jan Kubis, echoing calls from Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo to promote unity and consensus building for the electoral process among all political and institutional actors during his recent visit to Libya.
UNSMIL welcomes the efforts of the NHEC to advance technical preparations for the elections and urges it to accelerate these efforts once a legal framework addressing concerns related to the road map and relevant Security Council resolutions is in place. finalized.
UNSMUL reiterates its gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this meeting
TRIPOLI, Libya, October 2, 2021 / APO Group / -The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) participated in the meeting of the delegations of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State, from September 30 to October 1, in Rabat, Morocco, on the legal framework for the December 24 elections. .
UNSMIL congratulates the two delegations for the positive atmosphere of the meeting and supports their "appeal to the international community to support the electoral process in Libya on the basis of the agreed laws and on the results of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and to guarantee the respect for electoral results. by making international observers available ”.
UNSMIL reiterates its gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this meeting.
UNSMIL urges both delegations to seize this opportunity and assume their historic responsibilities
TRIPOLI, Libya, October 1, 2021 / APO Group / -The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) accepted the invitation to participate in a meeting of the delegations of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS), on September 30, in Rabat. , in Morocco, which will provide the opportunity to continue consultations on the legal framework for the elections.
A UNSMIL technical team is present and will provide technical support and advice based on UN principles, and in accordance with its mandate to support the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections on December 24, 2021, as set out in Security Council resolution 2570 (2021) and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) roadmap.
UNSMIL urges both delegations to seize this opportunity and shoulder their historic responsibilities and move forward with the completion of the legislative framework for the elections.
Mission reminds parties in Libya to adhere to the legal and constitutional framework governing the Libyan political process
TRIPOLI, Libya, September 21, 2021 / APO Group / -The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has received, with concern, reports that the House of Representatives (HoR) has adopted a motion of censure against the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Mission confirms that the current GNU remains the legitimate government until it is replaced by another government through a regular process after the elections. Its objective remains to bring the country towards the legislative and presidential elections of December 24, 2021 and to provide the necessary services to the population.
As highlighted by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and Head of UNSMIL, Ján Kubiš, the United Nations Mission expects the efforts of the HoR to focus on finalizing the law on parliamentary elections and that the HoR leadership move forward with efforts to reach a broad consensus. on the new electoral legislative framework.
UNSMIL urges the HoR to complete work on the Legislative Election Law no later than next week. The Mission reminds the parties in Libya to adhere to the legal and constitutional framework governing the Libyan political process.
UNSMIL calls on the CoR and all relevant political institutions and actors to remain focused on completing the preparation of the constitutional and legislative framework for the December 24 elections and to refrain from any action that could jeopardize the electoral process and the election process. unity, security and stability. Holding presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24, 2021 must remain the overriding goal, and any effort to divert attention to other goals runs counter to holding elections on December 24, 2021.
Neighbors of Libya need to be engaged as well in this process notably concerning the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries
TRIPOLI, Libya, August 31, 2021/APO Group/ --Excellencies,
At the outset, I would like to thank the Government of Algeria for organizing this important and timely meeting. The presence of the high-level representatives from the neighboring countries and regional and international organizations demonstrates the importance of this event gathering us in support of Libya.
I am coming from Libya where I held consultations with a wide range of actors, leaders, and officials including Her Excellency FM Mangoush, to discuss how to safeguard and advance the course to national inclusive, free, and fair parliamentary and presidential elections this December and progress on other files – security, economic and human rights/humanitarian established and followed by the Berlin process. All interlocutors reiterated their commitment to holding elections on 24 December, and the Government has provided the necessary funding for the HNEC and works on the security measures to ensure safe conduct of the elections. Yet, what is still missing is a legal framework and clarification of the constitutional basis to be enacted in due time, in the coming days to enable the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December.
In the meantime, the House of Representatives (HoR) is in the process of finalizing electoral laws for both presidential and parliamentary elections, but the time is running out. I urged the leadership of HoR and the members of HoR to shoulder their legislative responsibility and enact both legislations without any further delay while following the necessary procedural requirements.
Against this backdrop, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) is continuing with the preparations for the elections that can be done in the absence of the legislative framework, including voter registration that has reached an estimated total of registrants 2.86 million (43% women), work on registration for out of country voting is still on-going in consultation with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya and will require cooperation and support from countries hosting Libyan citizens including your countries. As confirmed by HNEC, the GNU has allocated sufficient funding for the commission to enable the preparations and organization of elections on 24 December. The UN continues to provide technical support to HNEC.
In order to help ensure the integrity of the electoral process, international and domestic observation of the whole process is critical. I urge all member states and regional organizations including your countries to send observation teams, in coordination with Libyan authorities and institutions, notably HNEC, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when the time will come.
Excellencies,
Approval by the HOR of a unified national budget, which is still pending, remains of critical importance to allow the GNU to improve the delivery of services and assistance to the people equitably throughout Libya and to create the conditions for a conducive environment for holding the elections in December of this year.. All this is happening in a very fluid and polarized situation, to create the best possible conditions for preparing and running smooth, safe, secure, inclusive free, and fair elections with the results accepted by all.
Excellencies,
On 8 July, I delivered the report of the international financial audit to the Presidency Council in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Governor and Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL). The main finding of the audit is that the unification of the Central Bank of Libya is no longer simply recommended but required. While Libya’s foreign currency reserves were largely protected during the past five years, the division in the Central Bank of Libya has eroded the integrity of the banking system and impeded monetary reform.
In my recent meeting with the Central Bank Governor, I was informed that there have been some steps taken in preparation for the implementation of the audit report recommendations. The Central Bank Governor will be briefing the IFCL Economic Working Group in early September to provide an update on the authorities’ plan to implement the recommendations and initiate the unification process. The GNU and PC have confirmed their willingness to support this process.
Excellencies,
On the security front, the persistent efforts of the 5+5 JMC led recently to the reopening of the Misrata-Sirte Coastal Road, with the support of UNSMIL and UNMAS as well as the members of the IFCL Security Working Group. The people of Libya warmly welcomed this development, which brings clear benefits for all Libyans.
Nevertheless, the continued presence of mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces remains a cause of concern for Libya and the international community, including neighboring countries. The Security Council in a number of resolutions notably in UNSCR 2570 and recent statement on 15 July, strongly urged all Member States, all Libyan parties and all relevant actors to respect and support the full implementation of the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement, including through the withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces from Libya without delay.
The deployment of an initial first group of UN ceasefire monitors is underway. Temporary facilities in Sirte have been identified, the first group will deploy (conditions permitting) in the coming weeks to support the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism (LCMM).
To ensure gradual buildup towards full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the 5+5 JMC intends to develop an action plan for a sequenced and a phased, verifiable withdrawal, starting with the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The intention is to consult this plan with the respective international partners and seek their support and cooperation. Neighbors of Libya need to be engaged as well in this process notably concerning the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries. We are also working with FM Madame Mangoush on the Stabilization Initiative that has similar objectives. We are also ready to support the Libyan-led process of DDR and SSR for the stabilization of the country and the wider region, to work on this with Libya and international partners, including countries of the region.
Withdrawal of foreign fighters and armed groups has to be accompanied by scaled-up efforts across Libya and the wider region to address root causes of instability, notably through inclusive reconciliation, peacebuilding, and development programmes with a focus on the youth, on women empowerment. Coordinated, complementary measures and programmes supported and co-financed by the international community coupled with resolute international action against criminal traffickers of people, weapons, and drugs, and cooperative measures to enhance control in the border areas, including integrated border control and management must be a part of the solution if it is to be durable and sustainable. Here partnership of the UN, AU, LAS, and EU is critical.
Excellencies,
Paving the ground for inclusive reconciliation, UNSMIL and AU participated in a series of workshops launched on 31 May by the Presidency Council to prepare the legal framework and structure of the Libyan High National Commission for Reconciliation. This should lay the groundwork for a longer-term national reconciliation process, to promote unity and social cohesion ahead of the December elections. Several events bring together women, youth, and diverse segments of Libyan society are envisaged to take place in the coming period. A ‘whole-of-government' approach should guide the work. I note the UN/AU shared vision of this process that is grounded in key principles of justice, accountability, and human rights which is critical to ensure long-term peace and stability and welcome the expressed readiness of Algeria to share its experience n national reconciliation. In my meeting last week with President Menfi, he reiterated the commitment of PC to make progress on this important file.
Excellencies,
I would like to reiterate the UN’s long-held position that Libya is not considered a safe port of disembarkation for migrants and refugees.
The international community needs to increase its collective and bilateral engagement to address the causes fueling irregular movements of people, including lack of or only limited protection in the transit countries like Libya or in first countries of asylum, and to provide legal pathways to avoid the continuing loss of lives on the central Mediterranean route. Here, I acknowledge the potential of proactive efforts of the AU-EU-UN Task Force on Libya.
Such arrangements or agreements should reflect Libya and neighboring countries’ responsibility to uphold the international principle of nonrefoulement that includes halting all collective expulsions of migrants and asylum-seekers, while facilitating voluntary humanitarian evacuation, return, and resettlement flights.
Excellencies,
It is important that Libya and neighboring countries manage and control their borders; border control measures and procedures should, however, be implemented in line with applicable obligations under international law including international human rights and refugee law. Positive developments in this regard are bilateral labor agreements currently being negotiated between Niger and Egypt with Libya towards managing migration flows. At the same time efforts to sign and operationalize bi-lateral and multilateral agreements to promote security and cross-border cooperation between countries sharing a common border with Libya are essential in maintaining regional security, fostering economic development, and building trust for closer cooperation among themselves and with Libya. The border management Quartet Agreement between Libya, Chad, Niger, and Sudan is a positive example of multilateral cooperation in securing common borders and tackling trans-national crime, violent extremism, activities of armed groups.
As cooperation continues to develop, the potential of such agreements including bilateral agreements with Libya will continue to build peace and stability in the region.
Libya is at a critical stage where the significant achievements and progress of the past period must be consolidated with an added momentum to continue the political transition towards a unified, fully sovereign, peaceful, and stable country. This is important not just for the Libyan people but for the region as a whole. Continued, concerted and aligned efforts of neighboring countries and the international community are essential to support and encourage the various sides and parties in Libya to work together, achieve the unification of State institutions and the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, deliver needed services, protect and promote human rights, justice, and accountability for Libyans and migrants and set the stage for holding the parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December.
I would like to reiterate my appreciation to the Government of Algeria for organizing this important event, and the participation of Minister Mangoush and foreign ministers from neighboring countries of Libya is a reaffirmation of your commitment to peace, security, and stability of Libya and the wider region. Libya’s stability is Africa’s stability too.
Thank you for your attention.
Special Envoy Ján Kubiš, ASG / UNSMIL Coordinator Raisedon Zenenga and ASG / Humanitarian Coordinator Georgette Gagnon met today with the President of the designated Presidential Council, Mr. Mohamed Almenfi, and the designated PC member, Mr. Abdullah The Lafi, in Tripoli. He congratulated them on their election to the LPDF. They discussed the ways the UN can support to accelerate the implementation of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) Roadmap, including holding an official House of Representatives vote of confidence session. Mr. Kubis highlighted Mr. Almenfi's commitment to the LPDF Roadmap, including the holding of the elections on December 24, 2021. He expressed the UN's willingness to provide all necessary technical support to the CP designated in the comping phase, especially in reconciliation and transitional justice efforts. and the unifications of state institutions.
Special Envoy Kubiš, UNSMIL Coordinator Zenenga and HC / RC Georgette Gagnon also met with the Defense Minister of the Government of National Accord, Mr. Salaheddine Namroush, and senior officials from the Defense Ministry in Tripoli. They discussed the security situation in the country and ways to accelerate the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and supported the ongoing efforts of the 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission. They also discussed cooperation in the unification of military and security institutions. and United Nations support for Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) efforts.
They also met with the Head of the National High Electoral Commission (HNEC), Dr. Emad Al-Sayeh, to discuss who reported on the preparations for the upcoming national elections on December 24, 2021. Dr. Al-Sayeh expressed his appreciation for the continued support of UNSMIL and the international community to the HNEC. Special Envoy Kubis said that the United Nations and international partners fully support the holding of the elections, which allows Libyans to democratically elect their representatives. He reiterated the UN's willingness to provide the necessary technical support to HNEC to ensure the success of this democratic process.
In the same context as his meetings in al-Qubba yesterday, where he met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a group of HoR members, Special Envoy Kubiš, accompanied by UNSMIL Zenenga and HC / RC coordinator Georgette Gagnon , they held a meeting this afternoon. with a large group of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Tripoli to exchange views on the way forward, especially regarding holding an official HoR session as soon as possible. He told HoR members that a vote of confidence would not only provide a legitimate umbrella for the new interim executive, but would also send a strong signal that he has massive support from the legislative authority.
Special envoy Ján Kubiš will continue to meet with Libyan interlocutors tomorrow.
As he assumed functions yesterday, the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ján Kubiš continued his interactions with Libyan interlocutors, following his telephone calls with President of the Presidency Council Mr. Fayez Serraj and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohammed Siala the day before.
He held telephone conversations with Mr. Agila Slaeh, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) and discussed the current situation, following the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) meeting in Switzerland and the way forward, including convening the HoR soon.
Special Envoy Kubiš held telephone conversations with Mr. Mohammad Younes Menfi, President of the Presidency Council designate and Mr. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, Prime Minister designate. They discussed the way forward to ensure a smooth transition of power to the new unified interim executive authority. Mr. Kubiš noted the intention of the Prime Minister designate to form an inclusive and representative Cabinet, within the timeline set by the LPDF Roadmap, that will reflect the richness and diversity of the Libyan society and its components, including women and youth, capable of addressing the most pressing issues in Libya including delivery of services to the people on an just and equitable basis and national reconciliation. Of critical importance for the government and the people is to prepare and hold the national elections on 24 December 2021.
Mr. Kubiš stressed the United Nations commitment to a stable, prosperous, sovereign and unified Libya, building on the momentum generated by positive developments achieved in the past months in the political, security and economic files, including ceasefire agreement through Libyan-led and Libyan-owned efforts and processes.
The Special Envoy Ján Kubiš continued also with his telephone and video calls, reaching out to high representatives of regional countries and broader international community.
