Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the UNSC Briefing on Libya - August 22nd, 2023

Madam President.

I thank Special Representative for Libya for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Algerby from civil society for her contribution. And I join others in welcoming the Libyan delegation to this meeting.

Brazil has followed with concern the recent armed clashes that erupted in Tripoli on 14th and 15th of August. We deplore the return to hostilities and urge all actors to refrain from further violence. We call upon all parties with authority over armed groups across the country to redouble their efforts towards establishing a unified and accountable security architecture in Libya.

The threat of a resurgence of conflict in Libya is a stark reminder of the urgency of supporting the implementation of the October 2020 ceasefire, including through security sector reform. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups into Libyan society are also key to any successful strategy to improve the security conditions in the country.

At the root of the current political impasse, there is an obvious and profound lack of trust and of social cohesion among key Libyan institutions and stakeholders. This circumstance also enables external interferences that reinforces the current political deadlock.

Madam President,

Peacebuilding efforts can establish an environment conducive to political and social reconciliation. In this sense, we recall the role that the UN Peacebuilding Commission can play, upon Libya’s request, to mobilize international attention towards nationally determined peacebuilding needs and priorities. The Commission can foster dialogue among all relevant actors and also contribute to the Security Council’s consideration of the situation in Libya.

The linkages between the situation in Libya and in neighboring countries, particularly in the Sahel, also require close collaboration in the region.

We acknowledge the contribution of the “5+5 Joint Military Commission” for coordinating positions among relevant Libyan actors on the withdrawal and repatriation of foreign forces from Libya and to neighboring countries.

We acknowledge and commend the engagement of the African Union in support of the national reconciliation process in Libya. We hope it can contribute to sustainable solutions also in the political sphere.

Madam President,

The establishment of a unified government should be the result of a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. Agreement between the House of Representatives and the High State Council, based on the work of the “6+6 Committee”, in preparation for national elections, aligns with that principle.

We trust that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya will continue facilitating intra-Libyan dialogue to establish conditions conducive to government unification. Brazil reiterates its support for the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to exercise mediation among Libyans, in accordance with the principle of national ownership.

We are encouraged by the announcement, on August 20, of the reunification of the central bank of Libya, after nearly nine years of division. We are hopeful this decision will have a positive impact in the Libyan economy and will serve as a catalyst for the unification of other institutions.

Madam President,

After 12 years of imposition of the assets’ freeze, the preservation of Libya’s frozen assets requires closer monitoring and updated measures by the Libya Sanctions Committee, adapted to present-day circumstances.

The paralysis of the political process in Libya should in no way justify paralysis of the Sanctions Committee in the face of reports of funds’ depletion or threats of confiscation of Libya’s sovereign wealth. Brazil stands ready to explore technical improvements to the asset freeze, within the Committee and the Council, as may be required.

Thank you.