New Libyan Government highlights early priorities with international support

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12 Apr 2016

New Libyan Government highlights early priorities with international support

Tunis, 12 April 2016 – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the United Kingdom (UK) co-chaired a meeting in Tunis to discuss how the international community can support the priorities set out by the new Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity to the Libyan people. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Libyan Presidency Council, HE Mousa Al-Koni, H.E. Dr. Taher Al-Jehaimi, Minister of Planning of the GNA, and over 40 countries and international organisations. It was opened by Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Khemaies Jhinaoui.

Addressing the audience HE Mousa Al-Koni stated “The timing of this meeting is very important, especially after the Presidency Council moved to Tripoli.” “Achieving stability in Libya is an urgent need for the country and it is in the interest of all Libyans and the neighboring countries as well,” HE Al-Koni stressed. Minister of Planning Jehaimi set out the new government’s vision for Libya and identified its immediate priorities. He invited support from the international community in addressing in particular economic stabilisation and the restoration of basic services. He highlighted that security will be key to delivering benefits for the Libyan people.

Stressing the importance of Libyan ownership, the Director General Middle East and Africa, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Dr Christian Turner said “It is vital that the international community supports the GNA in delivering early tangible benefits to the Libyan people, particularly on security and essential services, in a way which is inclusive for all Libyans.”

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General Mr Ali Al-Za’tari highlighted his particular concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya, and underlined the importance of addressing the most urgent humanitarian needs for the most vulnerable people in the early days of the GNA. He said “I am very pleased that the Humanitarian response plan was brought to the attention of the GNA and international community at the same time. A common strategy for the implementation of the plan should now be developed and the United Nations should spare no energy to support this ‘process’.”

UNSMIL, UNDP and the German government launched, in partnership with the Libyan Presidency Council, a ‘Stabilisation Facility’ for Libya. This Facility aims to deliver immediate, tangible results for the Libyan people through: quick rehabilitation of critical infrastructure; enhancing the capacity of municipalities; and increasing engagement between central government, municipalities and local authorities to play a more active role in peacebuilding. Donors pledged a total over $20m to this fund.

In conclusion, the Co-Chairs noted the vital importance of building on the positive developments in Libya of the past two weeks in bringing peace and security to the Libyan people. They agreed on urgent steps to enable experts, led by the Libyan government and in consultation with UNSMIL and donors, to prepare more detailed proposals for future endorsement by Ministers.

Editors’ Note:
This Senior Officials’ Meeting took place in Tunis on 12 April. It follows on from an earlier UK-hosted, and UN and UK co-chaired meeting in London on 19 October 2015 (http://unsmil.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3561&ctl=Details&mid=854...

The following individual pledges were made for the Stabilisation Facility:
Germany – Euro 10m over two years
US - $4m over two years
Italy – Euro 2m
UK - $1m
Qatar - $2m
Switzerland - $250,000