Robert Wood, US Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs at the UN Security Council, stated that the United Nations plays a crucial role in fostering a stable, secure, and sovereign future for Libya. He emphasised that the United States supports the prompt appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG).
Wood noted that the resignation of former SRSG Bathily highlights the challenges in achieving a political compromise that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people. He expressed appreciation for the interim leadership of Ms. Stephanie Khoury and others while the UN considers potential replacements.
The US diplomat pointed out that the United States commends the Deputy SRSG’s efforts to engage Libyans broadly. He affirmed that the US strongly supports UNSMIL’s efforts to move Libya toward long-overdue elections. He added that a unified international stance on the security, economic, political, and humanitarian fronts is essential for making concrete progress and creating opportunities for the Libyan people.
Wood mentioned that the United States was pleased with the renewal of the UN Libya Vessel Inspection Authority in May for another 12 months. He highlighted that this Authority deters potential sanctions violators and facilitates crucial information sharing about trafficking off the Libyan coast. He stressed that this resolution is particularly important given the rise in arms embargo violations, necessitating more interdictions.
The US diplomat encouraged the continued reporting by the Panel of Experts on the implementation of UN sanctions. He said that their insights into destabilising activities, such as arms embargo and oil smuggling violations, are invaluable.
Wood commended the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) and urged increased coordination between western and eastern Libyan actors to secure borders and reduce criminality in the south. He noted that greater military integration is key to reaffirming Libyan sovereignty and preventing regional turmoil.
On the economic front, Wood highlighted the influx of counterfeit Libyan currency, which devalues the dinar and disrupts financial markets, deepening political divisions. He mentioned that the US recently sanctioned the Russian state-owned enterprise Goznak for printing over $1 billion in counterfeit Libyan currency, exacerbating Libya’s economic issues. He reiterated support for efforts to establish a unified budget and urged Libyan leaders to implement a transparent, accountable system for managing and distributing oil revenues.
Wood expressed support for UN efforts to strengthen the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations. He noted that attacks on civil society and human rights defenders hinder political participation and undermine long-term peace prospects.
He concluded by expressing concern about the increasing number of Sudanese refugees and displaced persons in Libya and their challenging conditions. He affirmed support for UN and humanitarian partners in addressing the needs of this growing population.
Wood reiterated that the United States is committed to UN efforts to reaffirm and protect Libyan sovereignty, enforce the arms embargo, provide essential services to Libyans, and support a path to free and fair elections leading to a unified government.
