Madam President,
I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, for her very thorough briefing.
Last month, the Council reiterated its support for the Special Representative’s roadmap for the resumption of the political process in Libya. A political solution, led by and for Libyans, will allow Libya to recover its stability, its unity, and its sovereignty.
The United Nations roadmap sets a clear course to break free from the political impasse in Libya, moving towards the reunification of all institutions, including the executive branch, and the holding of national elections.
UNSMIL’s structured dialogue reminds us of the clear and indisputable aspiration of Libyan women and men to decide on their future, to participate in Libyan public life, and to choose their representatives.
The United Nations roadmap places Libyan institutions at the heart of the political process. As expressed by the Council in its press statement last month, we call upon Libyan political actors to engage in this mediation in good faith and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could exacerbate divisions. France reiterates its full support to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in her work.
Madam President,
The reunification of Libyan military and security forces will allow the country to recover its stability and to break the cycle of recurring tensions.
France welcomes the launch of the “FLINTLOCK 2026” joint military exercise, led by the United States, Italy, and Libyan units from West and East, with contributions from over 30 countries, including France. This exercise promotes the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions, which is a priority for this Council, in the interest of the country and the region.
As the security situation remains unstable, the withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, in accordance with the 2021 Libyan plan endorsed by this Council, is urgent in order to guarantee Libya’s full sovereignty. A unified government across all of Libya is the condition needed to guarantee this stability that both Libya and its partners need.
Madam President,
Greater budgetary transparency, better governance, and a fairer distribution of national wealth are necessary in order to respond to the socio-economic difficulties facing the Libyan people.
The signing of the first addendum to the “Unified Development Program” between the High State Council and the House of Representatives is a positive step in this regard. Its implementation will promote the economic stability that the Libyan people so desire. The fight against corruption and trafficking remains at the heart of this Council’s priorities.
Lastly, the human rights situation remains worrying.
We call upon the Libyan authorities to guarantee the rule of law and the exercise of civil liberties, both for their nationals and for migrants. The United Nations has facilitated the structured dialogue reflecting the diversity of the Libyan population and guaranteeing the participation of women.
The transfer of Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri to the International Criminal Court is an important step in the fight against impunity.
Madam President,
To conclude, France welcomes the recent renewal of the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. Only a political solution will ensure the end of restrictive measures to support Libya’s stability, unity, and sovereignty.
Thank you.