SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON LIBYA

NEW YORK, July 18, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana (Rwanda):

On 17 July, the members of the Security Council heard a briefing from Tarek Mitri, Special Representative of Secretary-General, about the situation in Libya. The members of the Security Council also took note of the statement from the Libyan Foreign Minister, Mohamed Abdulaziz.

The members of the Security Council condemned the recent violence in Libya, including the fighting around Tripoli International Airport, noting that this follows a deeply concerning prolonged pattern of politically motivated and inter-militia violence, making it even more difficult for the Libyan authorities to govern effectively.

The members of the Security Council stressed that violence and the threat of violence is unacceptable and should not be used to pursue political goals. They reiterated the need for all sides to engage in political dialogue and refrain from violence and actions that challenge the stability of the State.

The members of the Security Council welcomed Libya's successful parliamentary elections on 25 June, despite ongoing security challenges. They called on the democratically elected parliament to meet quickly, agree upon a government and urgently seek to progress Libya's democratic transition.

The members of the Security Council stressed that an inclusive dialogue is the only way to achieve a lasting political settlement and to enable the State to ensure security and rule of law throughout the country. They expressed their support for the Constitutional Drafting Assembly's important work to draft a constitution that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people to pave the way for a secure and prosperous future for Libya.

The members of the Security Council took note of the temporary reduction of the staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya due to the prevailing security conditions in the country. They expressed their support to the Mission and urged the Libyan authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Mission's staff.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the efforts of neighbouring countries to promote the stability of Libya.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.