Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on “the Situation in Libya
2023/12/18
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
I also thank SRSG Bathily for his update, and I welcome Ambassador El-Sonni, Permanent Representative of Libya, who joins us today.
To begin my statement, I would like to welcome the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of two resolutions regarding Libya in October, renewing the sanctions regime and the mandate of UNSMIL. This shows the Council’s strong commitment to maintaining Libya’s peace and security and supporting its political process toward a democratic transition.
Although the long-awaited national elections which would pave the way to a democratic transition in Libya have not yet taken place, this year saw some steps forward in the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations.
As an elected Council member, Japan has been consistently supporting SRSG Bathily’s efforts throughout the past year, while respecting Libya’s ownership. With the help of the SRSG’s initiatives, Libyan actors were able to agree on electoral laws, identify politically and technically contentious issues, and resolve a part of these issues. The SRSG’s facilitation of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and the Commission’s steady efforts enabled an environment safe and conducive to running elections. Progress in the unification of divided state institutions as well as the establishment of a national financial oversight mechanism are also positive developments. Moreover, the Libyan people clearly showed their solidarity and unity after the devastating flood in the east region in September.
Yet Libya needs one more step forward to complete its democratic transition and we call on those currently in power to take this courageous step. In this regard, Japan welcomes the SRSG’s initiative to bring the five key Libyan actors together and encourage them to fully engage with the SRSG to complete the necessary preparations for the holding of the elections.
I thank you, Madam President.
I also thank SRSG Bathily for his update, and I welcome Ambassador El-Sonni, Permanent Representative of Libya, who joins us today.
To begin my statement, I would like to welcome the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of two resolutions regarding Libya in October, renewing the sanctions regime and the mandate of UNSMIL. This shows the Council’s strong commitment to maintaining Libya’s peace and security and supporting its political process toward a democratic transition.
Although the long-awaited national elections which would pave the way to a democratic transition in Libya have not yet taken place, this year saw some steps forward in the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations.
As an elected Council member, Japan has been consistently supporting SRSG Bathily’s efforts throughout the past year, while respecting Libya’s ownership. With the help of the SRSG’s initiatives, Libyan actors were able to agree on electoral laws, identify politically and technically contentious issues, and resolve a part of these issues. The SRSG’s facilitation of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and the Commission’s steady efforts enabled an environment safe and conducive to running elections. Progress in the unification of divided state institutions as well as the establishment of a national financial oversight mechanism are also positive developments. Moreover, the Libyan people clearly showed their solidarity and unity after the devastating flood in the east region in September.
Yet Libya needs one more step forward to complete its democratic transition and we call on those currently in power to take this courageous step. In this regard, Japan welcomes the SRSG’s initiative to bring the five key Libyan actors together and encourage them to fully engage with the SRSG to complete the necessary preparations for the holding of the elections.
I thank you, Madam President.