UNSMIL Encouraged by Parties' Dialogue Commitment, Calls on Forces to Disengage in the Oil Crescent

17 Dec 2014

UNSMIL Encouraged by Parties' Dialogue Commitment, Calls on Forces to Disengage in the Oil Crescent

17 December 2014 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is encouraged by the positive response to its invitation for a UN-convened Libyan political dialogue. The move by the parties to identify their respective delegations to the talks is a step in the right direction, reflecting their commitment to find a peaceful solution to the current political and military crisis in Libya through a dialogue process. UNSMIL will continue its consultations with the parties over the coming days to finalise preparations for the dialogue, including details of the venue and timing.

In agreeing to take part in this dialogue, all the parties have clearly signalled their determination to spare no effort towards safeguarding Libya's political transition and forging ahead with building a modern democratic state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

While encouraged by these positive overtures, the Mission is deeply alarmed by fighting and efforts by both sides to reinforce and consolidate their positions in the Oil Crescent area. This escalation undermines the ongoing efforts to convene the dialogue, and is certain to have a serious negative impact on Libya's economy.

The Mission calls on the forces on the ground to immediately disengage and pull back from the Oil Crescent area to avert worsening an already disastrous situation across the country. All parties should desist from any action that obstructs the dialogue efforts and endangers the country's economic lifeline. Libyan oil is a strategic asset that belongs to all the Libyan people, who deserve an opportunity for stability and prosperity.

Those advocating military escalation and are actively creating obstacles to a consensual political solution to Libya's crisis are reminded that their actions are in violation of Security Council resolution 2174 (2014), and that individuals and entities that threaten Libya's peace, stability or security will face targeted sanctions.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Bernardino Leon, will brief the Security Council early next week on his efforts and challenges to convene the dialogue, including the continued escalation in the armed hostilities despite repeated calls by the international community to stop the fighting.