Official speeches and statements - April 19, 2023
1. United Nations - UNSMIL (Libya) - Statement by Mr. Nicolas de Rivière, permanent representative of France to the United Nations, to the Security Council (New York,2023-04-18)
=Translation from French=
Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Special Representative for his briefing.
France welcomes recent progress in the implementation of the 2020 ceasefire agreement, accomplished under the aegis of the Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission, the two Chiefs of Staff, all the security actors, and under the leadership of the Special Representative. The Libyan security actors have made commitments to reunify the Libyan army and ensure secure elections. This brings hope.
France commends the meeting of the 5+5 Commission in Tripoli, the visits to Tripoli and Benghazi by the Western and Eastern Chiefs of Staff, and their initiative to create a joint military force. This sends a strong message for a unified, sovereign, and stable Libya.
This process must be accompanied by the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of militias, and the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. France commends the establishment of liaison committees with Chad, Niger and Sudan for the withdrawal of African mercenaries.
The stability of Libya and its neighbors is a priority for France. France will continue to support UNSMIL’s efforts in support of the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
Libya’s political class must build on these security achievements and provide the Libyan people with what they expect in 2023: simultaneous, inclusive, credible and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections throughout the country. The electoral campaign must be free from corruption and intimidation and must guarantee a level playing field for all candidates, men and women.
To this end, we must ensure that the executive branch is able to organize these elections in a neutral and transparent way.
An agreement on a legal basis for the elections and a new political roadmap are crucial. This process must be finalized rapidly. The House of Representatives and the High Council of State have a responsibility in this regard towards the Libyan people. France reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the Special Representative and his initiative to establish an inclusive high-level panel to oversee the organization of the elections.
Serious human rights violations are being committed in Libya. Militias and foreign mercenaries are acting with impunity.
France condemns forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual violence committed against migrants and Libyans. Restrictions on freedom of expression and association are alarming. We call on the Libyan authorities to put an end to these violations and to combat impunity for perpetrators.
France calls for a fair and transparent redistribution of income for the benefit of the population as a whole. The reunification process of the Central Bank must be accelerated.
France is committed to respecting the arms embargo. We will continue to support the IRINI Operation. All countries acting in the Mediterranean must cooperate with this Operation and comply with Security Council resolutions.
A sovereign, united, stable and democratic Libya is crucial for regional stability. To achieve this, the legitimacy of political institutions must be restored through national elections. France reaffirms its full support to Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily to achieve this goal.
Thank you./.
