Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on Libya - October 16th, 2023

I thank the Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily for his briefing. I thank Japan for reporting on the activities of the Libya Sanctions Committee. I welcome the Libyan delegation to this meeting. I join other members in expressing once again our condolences to the Libyan people for their losses as a consequence of the September floods.

Brazil underscores the importance Libya’s stakeholders overcoming their differences through dialogue and in a spirit of compromise. Their continued ownership of the political process implies their commitment to holding national elections, in accordance with the aspirations of the Libyan people and the relevant legal framework. We welcomed the announcement by the High National Elections Commission about its technical readiness to implement the electoral laws. While outstanding issues might remain, their implementation should not be hindered purely due to political rivalry or expediency.

We strongly support the mediation and good-offices role of the Special Representative to bridge the remaining differences. The performance of any  alternative role, would depend on a clear direction from the Council. If requested by the relevant Libyan institutions and stakeholders, it can further facilitate consensus and further contribute to creating conditions conducive to Government reunification . As we negotiate the renewal of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) this month, Brazil trusts that the Council will continue to provide the Special Representative with a solid basis to support a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, as necessary.

Colleagues,

Brazil supports UNSMIL’s call for a unified Libyan response to the flood-affected areas in eastern Libya. The urgent needs of assistance, protection, care and reconstruction continue to require that Libyan leaders rise above political divisions. The solidarity and national unity shown by the Libyan people across the country constitute a telling example of how to respond to moments of crisis. The unity shown by regional and international actors in supporting the humanitarian response to the tragedy in Derna is remarkable. A similar unity of purpose in the other areas where the international community interacts with Libya and its political leaders would be a much-needed development.

Brazil calls upon all member States to respect the arms embargo. We also call for the synchronized withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya, in accordance with the relevant of the Security Council resolutions.

The necessary reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions, under the auspices of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, remains heavily responsive to international dynamics. We commend the participation of UNSMIL as a facilitator of the necessary regional coordination. Brazil also recalls the role that the Peacebuilding Commission can play, upon Libyan request, to convene all relevant international actors, for example in support of security-sector reform. The Peacebuilding Commission could also inform the Council’s consideration of the situation in Libya from the perspective of Libia's nationally determined priorities.

Reports about the erosion or misappropriation of Libyan frozen assets should be seriously considered. Brazil recalls that the assets freeze is preventive not punitive. It aims at preserving the sovereign wealth of Libya for the future benefit of the Libyan people. We reiterate the need for purely technical responses, with the urgency required, in order to mitigate the risk of losses as an unintended consequence of the assets freeze.