Statement by H.E. Mr. Koro Bessho,
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Libya
19 April 2017

 

 

Thank you Madam President.

 

          I would like to thank Mr. Kobler for his briefing. Japan fully supports UNSMIL’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in Libya. I would also like to thank Ambassador Skoog for the briefing on the activities of the 1970 Committee on Libya.

 

          Over a year has passed since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA), and we have seen little progress. The political situation remains fluid, but there is an emerging trend, as we have heard today, a broad consensus among the Libyans to amend certain elements of the LPA.

 

          In this regard, the agreement in principle between the House of Representatives and the High State Council to form a joint committee to work together to amend the LPA by consensus is a noteworthy development. Japan believes that a Libyan-led process that ensures broad, inclusive and genuine consultations among the Libyan people is a prerequisite in achieving enduring peace. Japan looks forward to seeing the joint committee formed in that spirit.

 

          The LPA is now given another chance, and we must make our utmost effort to support the Libyan parties to set the course for progress. In this regard, Japan appreciates the continued engagement of the relevant parties, including both regional and international parties.

 

          Japan is concerned about the deterioration of human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya. This is the cost of the political stalemate. The international community cannot leave 1.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, suffering from lack of basic needs such as medicine, water and food.

 

          To alleviate the suffering of the people, Japan will restart its economic assistance to Libya for the first time in 3 years. We will provide over 4 million dollars, including 1.4 million dollars to the Stabilization Facility for Libya. We also encourage the financial institutions in Libya to redouble their efforts to tackle the issue of funding and liquidity so that necessary services will be provided to the people in need.  

 

          The security situation remains precarious. Escalation of violence in Tripoli and the Oil Crescent is another cost of the political stalemate. The recent escalation in the southern region is of particular concern. It should be stressed that violence does not bring peace any closer. Japan urges the relevant parties to immediately stop acts of violence.

 

Madam President, 　

 

          Japan continues to support the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord as the legitimate authority under the LPA. The LPA is the key instrument in moving the process forward, and its framework should be upheld. Japan encourages UNSMIL to make further efforts to facilitate the Libyan-led process to implement the LPA in accordance with its mediation and good offices mandate under resolution 2323.

 

Japan, for its part, will continue to engage constructively in order to support the implementation of the LPA and to alleviate the suffering of the people in Libya.

 

I thank you, Madam President.