UN Security Council: The “A3+” Group Calls on Libyans to Consult to Organize National Elections
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New York (United Nations) – The “A3+” group within the Security Council, which includes Algeria, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Ghana, today called on Libyans to intensify consultations among themselves to remove obstacles to holding national elections.
Mr. Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated on behalf of the “A3+” group that the group “reaffirms the importance of focusing on resolving outstanding issues related to the electoral framework to eliminate obstacles to holding national elections.” He emphasized that the “A3+” group “strongly encourages new measures aimed at ensuring a stable political landscape, particularly through the unification of public institutions.”
Additionally, Mr. Bendjama expressed the “A3+” group’s satisfaction with the successful conduct of elections in 58 municipalities in Libya, welcoming preparations for a new electoral process that will include 59 other municipalities, scheduled to take place in January.
The group also praised the establishment of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Libya, noting that “this step will ensure effective management of monetary policy in Libya and support economic stability in the country.”
The “A3+” group added that “in order to benefit from this momentum, we urge Libyan actors and institutions to refrain from any actions that could undermine these positive steps, cancel unilateral measures that exacerbate tensions, and prioritize dialogue and cooperation without preconditions and in a spirit of consensus.”
The member states of the group affirmed that “the role of the United Nations remains central in facilitating a Libyan-led national dialogue among the main stakeholders, as this dialogue is a necessary starting point for resolving outstanding issues and conducting successful national elections, as well as unifying Libyan institutions.”
The group welcomed the proposal from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to revive the political process in Libya, enhance trust among the main stakeholders, and pave the way for national elections in a stable environment.
The group sees participation from all Libyan parties as “essential,” calling on them to support the mediation efforts undertaken by the UN mission in Libya “in good faith and without preconditions.”
The “A3+” countries also expressed their “concern regarding the lack of progress in appointing a new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, while the mandate of the UN mission in Libya expires next January.”
The group added, “We affirm that continuity is essential to resolve outstanding issues related to electoral laws, and we reiterate our call for the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General and a head of the UN mission in Libya,” expressing their concern over “security challenges in Libya, particularly the ongoing clashes between armed groups despite the 2020 ceasefire agreement.”
In this context, the members of the “A3+” group called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, fighters, and mercenaries, “whose presence exacerbates tensions and threatens Libya’s sovereignty.”
Mr. Benjamain also expressed the group’s concern regarding the continued flow of weapons into Libya despite the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council since 2011, urging countries to respect this measure.
On another note, he addressed a report from experts indicating “alarming violations of Libyan financial assets,” as well as “systematic depletion of financial resources (of the Libyan people) through exorbitant banking fees and illicit transfers.” He emphasized that the credibility of the Security Council “depends on our ability to put an end to the depletion of Libyan financial resources frozen under the Security Council resolution.”
Regarding another issue, the “A3+” group views that “the humanitarian situation in Libya, particularly the significant influx of migrants and refugees from unstable regions, underscores the urgent need for rational humanitarian aid and concerted efforts from Libyan institutions,” affirming that “international cooperation is essential to ensure the safety, dignity, and human rights” of these individuals.
Lastly, the group praised the meeting held in Tunisia on December 5 and 6 “to discuss the reconciliation bill proposed by the Presidential Council,” expressing satisfaction with “the statement made by the Chairperson of the African Union’s High-Level Committee on Libya regarding the upcoming + National Reconciliation Charter +.”
APS