PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s political elite are blocking progress – UK statement at the Security Council [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 December 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya.

Thank you President,

I thank SRSG Bathily and you Ambassador Kamboj and you as 1970 Committee chair for your briefings and updates.

I’d like to make three points.

Firstly, we welcome SRSG Bathily’s clear message to Libya’s political elite that they are blocking progress and must urgently come together to agree a pathway forward on the political process. As we approach a year since elections were due, the lack of progress is striking, despite the demonstrable desire of the Libyan people to vote. We stand ready to support SRSG Bathily as he works towards an inclusive Libyan-led process that can deliver long-term political stability, economic prosperity, security sector reform and the removal of foreign forces and mercenaries, including the Wagner Group, from Libya.

Secondly, we note with disappointment the lack of progress towards agreement on a legal and constitutional basis for elections. The continued inability of the House of Representatives and High State Council to deliver this undermines their credibility and stalls progresss. As a Council, we should collectively bring pressure to bear on Libya’s political leaders to work constructively with SRSG Bathily and a broader range of Libyan actors to agree an achievable basis for free, fair and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections without further delay.

Thirdly, vibrant and open civil society should be an integral part of the political process. I remain deeply concerned by reports of increased restrictions and decreased operating space for civil society organisations. I call on all Libyan parties to ensure civil society actors, including women activists and peacebuilders, can continue their roles safely and unhindered. I also ask SRSG Bathily to ensure civil society and the voices of Libyan citizens are represented in the political process that seeks to determine their future.

This past year has seen Libya face many obstacles, with a disappointing absence of sustainable progress on the way forward. I urge all Libyan actors, with support from the region and the wider international community, to fulfil their responsibilities to deliver political progress. We the Council should give our full support to SRSG Bathily in ensuring they achieve this.

Thank you.