SIRTE - 15 January 2023 - Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, announced the launch of joint work between the international ceasefire monitoring team and Libyan monitors in Sirte during the meeting of the Joint Military Commission (JMC) 5+5 today. 

SRSG Bathily commended the JMC's plans to engage leaders of armed groups with UNSMIL’s facilitation in support of sustained peace and stability.

“I would like to congratulate you for the launch of your joint work in Sirte,” said SRSG Bathily, addressing the joint meeting of JMC members and monitors. “The presence of both the UN and Libyan monitors here will enhance trust between both sides. It will allow us to move forward with the training and operationalization of Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanisms."

Stressing the importance of the security track in paving the way for a conducive political environment, SRSG Bathily encouraged the JMC to move forward in implementing the ceasefire agreement.

“I have noticed that you speak with one voice,” he told the JMC members, adding that “this comes from your commitment towards to your country. Let’s not talk West or East, let’s talk Libya.”

In the first day of the JMC meeting, several issues were covered including moving forward with the Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism and the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters, jointly developed by Libyan and international monitors. The JMC had an in-depth discussion to engage armed groups in view of creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and security in Libya.

The JMC members articulated the urgent necessity of unifying the miliary and security institutions in Libya, believing this will accelerate solutions to the political crisis.

SRSG Bathily expressed UNSMIL’s readiness to support the Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism in preparation for the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters. He said that the Libyan people expect a lasting solution to the prolonged crisis.

“They need peace, stability, and legitimate institutions,” he added. “They would like to see that the riches of their country are used for the benefit of all Libyan people.”