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By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 18 July 2014.
The UN Security Council has called for dialogue in Libya between the various groups involved in the recent . . .[restrict]clashes in and around Tripoli. It condemned the violence which, it stressed, must not be used to pursue political goals.
The call followed the latest briefing yesterday by Tarek Mitri, Special Representative of the Secretary General, on the situation in Libya.
In particular, the Security Council expressed concern at the increasing pattern of “politically motivated and inter-militia violence” in Libya.
The meeting was addressed by Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdulaziz who appealed for help to stablise the country which, he warned, could turn into a “failed state” if the present divisions continued and become a base for extremists.
Abdelaziz was explicit in stating that the Libyan government was not asking for military intervention but for a UN team specialized in the field of security. It would train the country’s defence and police forces so that they could protect the oil fields and terminals, airports and other important locations.
The 15 Security Council members did not, however, make any specific decisions in response to that request. They simply “took note” of it.
Reaffirming their “strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya”, they stressed that “an inclusive dialogue” was the only way “to achieve a lasting political settlement and to enable the state to ensure security and rule of law throughout the country”.
The Security Council commended the recent successful parliamentary elections and called on the parliament to begin work by appointing a new government. It also urged the Libyan authorities to ensure the security of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) staff so that they could return to work in the country.
UNSMIL removed most of its staff this week following the closure of Tripoli’s airport and the increase in clashes near the mission’s compound in Janzour.
The members of the Security Council also welcomed “the efforts of neighbouring countries to promote the stability of Libya” – a reference to the meeting of Libya’s six neighbours in Tunisia on Monday and Tuesday to try and secure Libyan borders.
Mitri’s briefing to the Security Council is expected to be his last. It is widely reported in diplomatic circles in Tripoli, but not confirmed so far, that a new head of UNSMIL will be appointed before the end of September. [/restrict]
