Delivered by Permanent Representative, H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson
Thank you Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Secretary General for his sobering account on how much still remains to be done at the international level to help bring peace and stability to Libya. I also thank the German Presidency for organising today’s meeting that will allow us to hear from all the participants of the Berlin process and the neighbouring states.
Lasting peace in Libya can only come through a Libyan owned and Libyan led political process. We welcome the renewed engagement of both parties to the conflict in the third round of talks of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, but clearly more progress is needed. The fighting needs to stop. We welcome the initiatives proposed here today that aim to diffuse tensions and create space for a negotiated solution.
The Berlin Conference in January was an important milestone in bringing together the international community in the efforts of finding a solution to the Libyan conflict. It is truly commendable that the process has continued despite the restrictions and that currently all the Working Groups are actively conducting their discussions. The UN-led and facilitated international process must remain at the centre of the international efforts.
However, despite the advances made in the operationalization of the Berlin process, the reality in Libya remains grim. The active conflict has continued and foreign intervention will only further exacerbate it. Such foreign interference in Libya is a blatant violation of the sanctions regime set out by this Council. The continuous flow of arms, private military operatives, fighter jets, drones and other assets must stop. In this regard, we note with content that the EU operation IRINI has already been able to demonstrate its effectiveness.
The true price of the Libyan conflict will start revealing itself only now and it will continue in the years to come. We were shocked and appalled to hear about the recent discoveries of the mass graves in Tarhouna and we call on a thorough investigation to take place. It is critical to address all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law and to hold the perpetrators of such crimes accountable.
We remain extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Libya. In addition to the increasing spread of COVID-19, deliberately planted landmines and other explosive devices remain a huge concern. We welcome the international efforts in demining the contaminated areas.
Finally, we hope that the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya will be appointed very soon. It is important to have the UNSMIL and the UN facilitated political process in full capacity to ensure the best chances for success.
Thank you.
