Martin Kobler: I Call for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Oil Crescent, Respect for Libyan Political Agreement and Recognizing Presidency Council / GNA as the Sole Executive Authority in Libya

12 Sep 2016

Martin Kobler: I Call for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Oil Crescent, Respect for Libyan Political Agreement and Recognizing Presidency Council / GNA as the Sole Executive Authority in Libya

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Martin Kobler expresses grave concern over the fighting in the Oil Crescent area. Martin Kobler urges military forces that moved into the area to immediately stop fighting and refrain from further military escalation.

"I call for the respect of UN Security Council Resolution 2259 which recognises the Government of National Accord consisting of the Presidency Council (PC) and the cabinet as the sole executive authority in Libya. Military forces protecting oil installations must be under the authority of the PC. UNSCR 2259 also contains a clear prohibition on illicit oil exports. Attacks on the oil terminals further threaten the stability and lead to a greater division of the country. They further restrict the oil exports and add to people's suffering”, said Martin Kobler.

“I urge all parties to avoid any damage to the oil facilities. Natural resources belong to all Libyans and preserving oil infrastructure is in the national interest”, said the Special Representative. He joins the Presidency Council’s calls for a comprehensive national consensus and expresses his support for consultations that would lead to the formation of a new Government of National Accord.