[ecr]

“Our A3+ Group reiterates the importance of a unified focus on resolving outstanding issues related to the electoral framework, to remove key obstacles on the path to national elections,” said Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Amar Bendjama, on behalf of the group.

“We strongly encourage further steps to cement a stable political landscape, including unifying state institutions. The A3+ welcomes the successful conduct of municipal elections in 58 municipalities across Libya, marking an important step towards strengthening local governance and promoting stability in the country,” he stressed.

“We welcome the announcement of the High National Elections Commission regarding the start of the electoral process for a new list of 59 municipalities, in January 2025. This step is vital for strengthening democracy and empowering citizens to shape the future of Libya,” stated Bendjama.

“To build on this momentum, we urge Libyan actors and institutions to refrain from actions that can undermine these positive steps, reverse unilateral measures that fuel tensions, and prioritize dialogue and cooperation, without preconditions and in a spirit of compromise,” he stated.

According to Bendjama, “the role of the United Nations remains crucial in facilitating a Libyan-led national dialogue among key stakeholders. This dialogue is a necessary starting point for resolving outstanding issues, conducting successful national elections and unifying Libyan institutions.”

In this regard, “the A3+ welcomes UNSMIL’s proposal to revitalize Libya’s political process, foster trust among key stakeholders, and pave the way for national elections while preserving stability on the ground. It is crucial that all parties involved in the Libyan crisis fully support and participate in UNSMIL's mediation efforts, in good faith and without preconditions.”

“As we approach the end of the UNSMIL mandate, next January, the A3+ expresses deep concern that there has been little progress in appointing a new SRSG. This appointment is crucial and urgent, as it can enable the automatic extension of the mandate for a further nine months. We stress that continuity is vital to addressing the outstanding issues related to the electoral laws and strongly reiterate our call for the appointment of the SRSG and Head of UNSMIL,” he said.

“The continued presence of foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries exacerbates tensions and threatens Libya's sovereignty. Despite the embargo set by the UNSC in 2011, weapons continue to flow in Libya, fueling the conflict. We urge all Member States to fully respect the arms embargo,” affirmed the Algerian diplomat.

“The Panel of Experts' report also reveals alarming violations of the protection of Libyan financial assets, undermining their intended purpose of benefiting the Libyan people in the future. The systematic depletion of these financial resources through excessive bank fees and illicit transfers is unacceptable. The credibility of this Council hinges on our ability to halt the depletion of Libyan financial resources frozen by a security council resolution,” recalled the same official.

“The humanitarian situation in Libya, especially the massive movement of migrants and refugees from regions experiencing instability, highlights the urgent need for streamlined humanitarian aid and coordinated efforts from Libyan institutions. International cooperation is, therefore, crucial to ensure their safety, dignity, and human rights,” he stressed.

“We take positive note of the meeting held in Tunis on 5 and 6 December, to discuss the draft law on reconciliation proposed by the Presidency Council. We look forward to its finalization to ensure a fair, transparent process that responds to the needs of the victims of gross human rights violations and promotes rights-based reconciliation in Libya. We, also, warmly welcome the announcement by the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, regarding the forthcoming "National Reconciliation Charter, which is slated for presentation to the Libyans in the upcoming National Reconciliation Conference,” he concluded.[/ecr]