The UN Security Council on Friday urged countries with troops and mercenaries in Libya to withdraw them “without delay” as demanded in the cease-fire agreement between the country’s warring parties.
A presidential statement approved by all 15 council members welcomed a key step following the October cease-fire — Wednesday’s vote by the country’s House of Representatives endorsing the newly appointed interim government charged with leading the country to elections on December 24.
The UN’s most powerful body called on all Libyan parties to ensure a smooth handover to the interim government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
Imagine using the highest manifestation of racism as proof of non racism. https://t.co/KxBax03ZsE
— Hend Amry (@LibyaLiberty) March 13, 2021
The October cease-fire agreement, reached between forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, had called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries in three months and adherence to a UN arms embargo, provisions which have not been met.
In January, the United States called on foreign powers to immediately halt their military interventions.
Thousands of Syrian fighters have been dispatched by Turkey to fight on the side of the GNA and constitute the largest contingent of mercenaries in Libya. International reports also talked about the presence of Russian mercenaries.
Last year, UN experts said the Wagner Group, a private Russian security company, had provided between 800 and 1,200 mercenaries to the LNA.
Russia’s UN Mission said at the time that it didn’t have any military personnel “on Libyan soil” but didn’t exclude the possibility of mercenaries.
A new report shows how online abuse experienced by Libyan women has grown in recent years, often escalating to physical attacks, with no laws in place to combat the problemhttps://t.co/MA8LeMkEY3
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) March 13, 2021
There are thousands of mercenaries in Libya also from Syria, Sudan and Chad, according to Security Council diplomats.
The presidential statement also calls for “full compliance with the arms embargo,” which has been repeatedly violated according to the experts.
A UN advance team is in Libya as a first step to sending international monitors under a UN umbrella to observe the cease-fire. It is expected to return next week.
The Security Council underlined “the importance of a credible and effective Libyan-led Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism under UN auspices.” Council members said they look forward to receiving proposals from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the advance team returns on its “tasks and scale.”
The council statement called on the interim government to make preparations for December’s presidential and parliamentary elections “including arrangements to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.”
It also called on the interim government to prioritise implementation of the October cease-fire agreement, improve the delivery of services to the Libyan people, launch a comprehensive national reconciliation process, and adhere to international humanitarian law including the protection of civilians.
Looking ahead, the council said plans are needed “for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of armed groups, security sector reform and to establish an inclusive, civilian-led security architecture for Libya as a whole.”
A presidential statement is a step below a Security Council resolution and becomes part of its official record.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
