Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on the situation in Libya - December 18th, 2023

I thank the Special Representative Bathily for his briefing. We are also thankful to him for the intensification of his efforts, following the adoption of resolution 2702, in facilitating the intra-Libyan dialogue. I will make three points on the situation in Libya that Brazil considers worth emphasizing as particularly relevant to the work of the Council.

First, the path towards parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned, and pursuant to the existing nationally agreed framework. We hope institutional stakeholders will engage constructively, in a spirit of compromise, to translate the aspirations of the Libyan people for government unification and legitimacy.

We welcome the Special Representative’s initiative to convene the representatives of the Presidential Council, House of Representatives, High Council of State, the Government of National Unity and the General Command of the Libyan National Army to discuss the next steps in the electoral process.

We hope that the remaining differences on the implementation of the electoral laws can be overcome as soon as possible, based on nation-wide consensus, including the views of the wider spectrum of Libyan stakeholders that UNSMIL has been consulting with, including women. Second, the sustainability of any political settlement depends on the respect by all stakeholders of Libya’s right to conduct its affairs without foreign interference.

The unification of government institutions, including the military, may well be facilitated by the international community, including UN-mediated processes and neighboring countries, while respecting Libya’s sovereignty. Third, respecting Libyan sovereignty is also extremely relevant regarding ownership and control over its natural resources.

The establishment of mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability of public spending, including in the context of reconstruction efforts in Derna, should protect Libya`s wealth from misappropriation and mismanagement, pursuant to Libyan laws, for the benefit of the Libyan people. It should not justify foreign oversight or a transfer of control to entities that might favor interests outside Libya.

Also, reports of erosion and confiscation of Libyan assets frozen in foreign banks should be carefully examined and addressed. There must be a technical solution to mitigate the risk of losses as an unintended consequence of the asset freeze. Domestic authorities need to seek advice from the Libya Sanctions Committee before taking decisions that can impact the status or the availability of Libyan frozen funds. Mr. President,

I reiterate Brazil’s commitment to a lasting settlement of the persisting divisions in Libya, through peaceful dialogue and political means. As we cautioned in 2011, when abstaining in the vote on resolution 1973, only an inclusive and meaningful political process can succeed in bringing durable peace, and in addressing the demands of the Libyan people for better governance, more political participation, economic opportunities and social justice.

Thank you.