On Wednesday, the US Senior Advisor for Special Political Affairs, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis warned against interfering in Libya’s elections or stoking violence. He stated that the Security Council may impose sanctions on anyone – Libyan or otherwise – who obstructs or undermines the upcoming elections.
During his briefing to the Security Council, DeLaurentis stressed that the Council must target election spoilers to promote accountability, if need be.
He noted that the Libyan authorities were clear during the 21 October Libya Stabilisation Conference, that they rejected foreign interference, and expressed their intention to remove all mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces from the country.
In addition, the US diplomat commended the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), and its comprehensive Action Plan which calls for the withdrawal of all armed groups. “With over 20,000 foreign fighters in Libya, it is essential to continue discussions on implementing the withdrawal of foreign forces,” he added.
“We welcome Special Envoy Kubis’ update on the deployment of the first ceasefire monitors to Libya, and the next steps in implementing the Action Plan. We call on all states – including those on this Council – to adhere to Resolutions 2570 and 2571 and to support the withdrawal of foreign forces,” he noted.
He also thanked the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Jan Kubis for his efforts in working on the Libyan file.
“As with all Head of Mission nominations, we will await the Secretary-General’s decision on whom he will nominate to serve as the Special Envoy,” he added.
The Ambassador urged all Council members to facilitate a quick and smooth transition of responsibilities during this critical juncture. “In the interim, we will continue to work with UNSMIL and all UN leadership to advance progress toward elections on 24 December and the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement,” DeLaurentis concluded.