UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has recommended establishing a “monitoring component” for the UN mission in Libya working alongside a ceasefire monitoring mechanism run by Libyans.
In his report to the Security Council, Guterres did not mention how many UN observers would be needed for the United Nation Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
“I call upon the Security Council to give UNSMIL a clear but flexible mandate, supported by additional resources, to enable the United Nations to fully support the deployment of UNSMIL monitors to Libya who would eventually operate in and around Sirte and other areas if required,” Guterres said in a report released on Wednesday.
“The UNSMIL ceasefire monitoring component would not be integrated under the ceasefire monitoring mechanism. It would instead work in close coordination with the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) and the joint subcommittees,” he said according to France 24 news.
“The role of UNSMIL monitors would be limited to the monitoring of violations of the ceasefire agreement reported by the national monitors and other local sources. The task would imply the participation of UNSMIL monitors in ground monitoring missions in the designated area,” he said. Guterres insisted that the Libyan parties must commit to protecting UN personnel, equipment and facilities.