Ambassador Mohamed Abu Shehab, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations claimed that Abu Dhabi “plays an essential and pivotal role in reaching a solution to the Libyan crisis through dialogue. In order to achieve the Libyan people’s aspirations for security and prosperity, and hold Parliamentary and Presidential elections as soon as possible.”
During Friday’s Security Council session on Libya, Abu Shehab affirmed that they hoped to “determine the basic courses of action in order to move forward in resolving the crisis, under a Libyan-led political settlement, in a way that establishes stability and achieves the aspirations of the Libyan people for security and prosperity.”
During the session, he praised what he described as the “effective engagement” of the Libyan parties, the international community, and the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily in resolving the crisis.
Abu Shehab also stressed that this lends momentum to the political track, and contributes to advancing the electoral process.
He also highlighted the importance of achieving national reconciliation among Libyans, “to break with the past and strengthen cohesion, in a way that serves long-term security and peace in the country.”
The statement stressed the need to continue building on the gains made in the security field, in terms of defeating terrorism and maintaining the ceasefire.
The diplomat also demanded the gradual withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries. As well as noting his appreciation for military leaders, and members of the (5 + 5) Joint Military Commission (JMC) for their impartiality and for giving priority to the national interest in order to preserve the permanent ceasefire agreement.” He also urged them to “take concrete steps to unify the security institutions.”
In addition, Abu Shehab expressed his support for the efforts of the UN to work and cooperate with Libyan institutions to achieve sustainable development. As well as ensure that the Libyan people, including women, youth, and children, have sufficient resilience in the face of these challenges.