Statement by H.E. Mr. ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Libya

Thank you Mr. President. I also thank SRSG Bathily() and Ms. Imneina() for their briefings and welcome the participation of Ambassador El()-()Sonni() here today.
 
At the outset I would like to express Japan’s satisfaction with the recent adoption of the Security Council resolution (S/RES/2684 (2023)) extending the authorization for Member States to conduct inspections on the high seas off Libya.
 
First and foremost, Japan again reiterates the importance of holding elections before the end of 2023. As the SRSG and Ambassador El-Sonni have repeatedly said in this Council, the Libyan people wish to see elections. The holding of transparent and credible elections is the most important step toward an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. The Security Council unanimously expressed its strong commitment to this in its Presidential Statement in March. Elections are the only way to restore the legitimacy of the country’s institutions.

In this regard, we acknowledge the recent effort of the 6+6 Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. Building upon this effort, it is imperative to swiftly introduce an electoral law that will pave the way for the prompt holding of elections. We hope this step will receive the full backing of all relevant Libyan stakeholders. We will spare no effort in our support for SRSG Bathily and his mission to help the Libyan people hold elections as soon as possible.
 
Mr. President,

Turning to the security track, Japan welcomes continued positive developments, including the meeting of the Security Working Group of the Berlin Process International Follow-Up Committee held for the first time on Libyan soil on 24 May. We also support the holding of a series of Working Group meetings in different regions of Libya.
 
Libya’s stability is key to the peace, security and prosperity of the whole region. In this regard, Japan echoes the SRSG in welcoming the advancement of dialogues on the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries.
 
Regional stability is also key to Libyan peace. The deteriorating situation in Sudan could pose a security and humanitarian threat to Libya, especially in the South region. Japan will keep a close eye on possible cross-border movements of fighters and equipment as well as on whether developments in Sudan encourage illicit business including smuggling and human trafficking by opportunistic organized criminal groups.
 
Before concluding, let me again reiterate our firm commitment to support the Libyan people’s desire to have legitimate state institutions that can protect them and promote their welfare.
 
I thank you.