Tunis, 27 April 2016 – Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Martin Kobler is deeply concerned by recent incursions by the so-called Islamic State into Libya’s oil crescent region and attacks carried on oil fields.

“The attacks of the so called Islamic States and its intention to control vital strategic areas are a serious threat to Libya’s oil installations. It constitutes a grave assault not only on the lifeline of Libya’s national economy, but on the very livelihoods of millions of ordinary Libyans, many of who are already enduring hardship as a consequence of the ongoing political and military conflict in Libya,” Martin Kobler stated.

Taking note of the statement by Libya’s Presidency Council of 24 April, Martin Kobler joins its calls to take all necessary measures to safeguard the oil fields and terminals. He said, “I call on all security actors to respect the authority of the Presidency Council over Libya’s natural resources.”

Furthermore, Martin Kobler reminds all parties in Libya of United Nations Security Council resolution 2278 of 31 March 2016, which condemns attempts to illicitly export crude oil from Libya, including by parallel institutions which are not acting under the authority of the Government of National Accord, and underlining the primary responsibility of the Government of National Accord in taking appropriate action to prevent the illicit export of crude oil from Libya.