75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on Libya
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
September 10, New York
I would like to thank the briefers for their comprehensive overviews on the latest developments.
Libya has made great strides forward in political, security and economic tracks over the past year. Now it is important not to let the progress stall. The tasks ahead for the coming months are clear – all preparations need to be made to hold free, fair, inclusive and credible elections on 24 December, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum roadmap and in the Security Council resolution 2570. In this regard, we are encouraged by the announcement from yesterday, that the House of Representatives has adopted draft legislation for the upcoming presidential elections. We call on further engagement of all relevant authorities and to urgently also establish the legal basis for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Addressing political processes, we have to reiterate the crucial importance of ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth at all stages and levels. Women have to be able to participate in all aspects of the political life, as candidates, activists and voters, without fear of retaliation. In this regard, we welcome the participation of Ms. Asma Khalifa at today’s briefing and thank her for her valuable insights.
Mr. President,
Estonia is encouraged by the progress in the implementation of the 23 October ceasefire agreement, especially the opening of the Misrata-Sirte coastal road. It is of utmost importance to continue with the full implementation of the agreement, in particular the swift removal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.
Another essential element of the ceasefire agreement is implementing the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism. We welcome the Secretary-General’s assurances that the United Nations is urgently proceeding with the initial deployment of a scalable UNSMIL ceasefire monitoring component, and we look forward to a swift deployment of the international support team.
Estonia remains alarmed about the humanitarian situation in Libya, in particular the lack of access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers. The situation of migrants and asylum seekers continues to be of great concern. Arbitrary detention, exposure to violence, including sexual and gender based violence needs to end.
All alleged human rights violations, mass killings, torture and enforced disappearances must be thoroughly investigated. It is crucial to continue the fight against impunity and ensure accountability.
Estonia reiterates its full support to the work of UNSMIL. The UN-led mediation efforts in the framework of the Berlin process remain the basis for international efforts in support of achieving peace and stability in Libya.