Six years ago, Libyan women and men courageously embarked on the path of transformation and change. Their revolution toppled a dictatorship that ruled over the country for more than 40 years.  Their sacrifices brought much hope for a better future.
 
I salute the people of Libya and admire their resolve to live in peace and dignity. Throughout the past year working for Libya, I have been deeply inspired by the Libyan people’s spirit of determination and courage.
 
It is imperative that the sacrifices of so many Libyans should not be in vain. For that, I have called for 2017 to be the year of decisions and political breakthroughs.  I call upon the rival groups in Libya to put their country’s higher interest above all other considerations and urge those not yet engaged in the process to join efforts to find a consensual and inclusive political solution to the ongoing crisis.
 
Libyans now have before them a workable political agreement that can help their country move beyond the chaos and towards the creation of a stable and democratic state, with strong and accountable institutions and based on the rule of law.  This opportunity should not be wasted. 
 
Libyans have suffered enough. The natural resources of the country must be used to improve the lives of all Libyans. The youth, in particular, must be given the opportunity to realize their great potential. All Libyans deserve to live in peace and prosperity.
 
The road to peace is long and arduous and requires commitment, compromise and hard work. I wish to reassure the Libyan people that the United Nations stands in solidarity with you and your collective efforts to choose peace over violence and stability over chaos.