Martin Kobler: Working Together for Peace, Security and Prosperity

17 Nov 2015

Martin Kobler: Working Together for Peace, Security and Prosperity

17 November 2015 – Today, I assume my responsibilities as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) full of hope and determination that together with all the Libyans we will work to achieve the peace that the Libyan people desperately need and truly deserve.

Only through dialogue and unity can stability be attained and the State’s authority restored.

I admire the resilience of the Libyan people. They have endured much as a result of the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis and the growing threat of terrorism. We owe it to them to move with urgency and determination. Together we have to improve the economic and humanitarian situation and address the human rights situation. The United Nations and the international community stand ready to assist.

The tireless efforts exerted by the Libyan parties over the past year have come a long way in bridging differences. Continuity of the dialogue process and building on what has been achieved to date is the way forward.

For this purpose, I would like to state the following:

  • In the next few days, I will listen to the members of the political dialogue and the proposed Presidency Council as well as various other Libyan partners to address and finalise the remaining small number of outstanding issues.
  • I am determined to build on the momentum to bring about an endorsement of the Libyan Political Agreement in the immediate future.
  • As a matter of priority, I intend to discuss security-related issues with the various Libyan actors.

I will be stressing to all to utilise the strong support within Libya and among the international community and regional partners to achieve a durable peace in Libya. We cannot afford to waste the hard work already done.

The work of the United Nations will always be guided by the relevant Security Council resolutions and by the long-standing principles of impartiality, and upholding Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

I call and count on your support as we press ahead together to restore peace, security and prosperity in Libya.