I thank the Special Envoy Ján Kubiš for his briefing. I would like to express Estonia’s full support to UNSMIL.
We welcome the latest developments in Libya’s political process. The formation of a new interim authority is a step towards stability. This will allow starting the preparations for the elections in December. It is important to ensure an inclusive process that involves all voices, especially those of women and youth. In this regard, it shows promise that five seats in the new cabinet belong to women.
We are encouraged by the continuation of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission meetings, and their contacts with UNSMIL and the Security Working Group of the International Follow-up Committee for Libya. We stress the importance of the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including ending all foreign interference, removing foreign fighters, and opening the coastal road.
The Libyan parties have clearly expressed their vision for achieving peace – the international community must respect that. We call on all those involved to put an immediate end to the blatant violations of the Libyan sanctions regime and to withdraw all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya. All actions that violate the Libyan arms embargo must stop immediately.
We welcome the efforts of the EU operation IRINI in supporting the implementation of the Security Council arms embargo. Operation IRINI acts strictly under the Security Council authorisations, is impartial in its activities, and offers an important contribution to the implementation of the sanctions regime.
Estonia supports the establishment of a credible, realistic and effective ceasefire monitoring mechanism that acts under the UN auspices. We welcome the initial meeting between the UN advanced team for preparing the ceasefire mechanism and 5+5 commission. We also thank the Secretary-General for the progress report on the ceasefire monitoring in Libya and the recommendations made therein. It is now important to move forward with practical arrangements to allow UNSMIL’s monitoring component to become operational.
Concrete steps need to be taken to further build trust between the Libyan parties and in the Libyan society. That includes thoroughly investigating all alleged human rights violations, mass killings, torture, enforced disappearances and ensuring justice for the victims. It is important to root out the culture of impunity, and to focus on accountability. These actions are essential to achieving sustainable peace, security and reconciliation. To support this aim, the EU recently decided to impose targeted sanctions on two individuals responsible for gross human rights violations and abuses in Libya.
We remain concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground. The disruptions to the water and electricity supply, the extremely dire situation and the constant exposure to violence that migrants and asylum seekers endure are of great concern. We call on the authorities to pay close attention to these issues and to take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the civilians.
It is important to note that the political process under the umbrella of the UN and the Berlin process remains the only acceptable international framework to support Libyans in achieving a lasting peace.
I thank you.
