14 June 2015 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Bernardino Leon, strongly condemns the storming of the Tunisian Consulate in the Libyan capital of Tripoli by an armed group and the seizure of 10 staff members. He calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted staff.

Mr. Leon recalls that the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises must be respected. He calls all Libyan actors with influence on the ground to do their utmost to ensure the safe release of the Tunisian staff and the protection of diplomatic missions in Libya.

This unacceptable act is a further reminder of the chaos engulfing Libya and the need for Libyans to end the ongoing conflict and to move quickly towards reaching a political agreement that would restore security and stability to their country.