Tripoli, 17 January 2019 – As part of its continuous efforts to support the Libyan Government in strengthening the capacity of State’s regular security institutions, UNSMIL hosted a meeting today between the Minister of Interior (MoI), his two deputies and 18 high-ranking officers, and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Libya, at the mission’s headquarters in Tripoli. The meeting’s main objective was to mobilise support for the Ministry of Interior and its respective security directorates.

Chaired by, Fathi Bashagha, Minister of Interior, the meeting was attended by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Ghassan Salamé and his Deputy for Political Affairs Stephanie Williams, with the presence of 17 ambassadors and representatives of Member States - a number of them attended from UNSMIL office in Tunisia via video teleconference - along with the European Union Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Alan Bugeja.

During the meeting the Minister delivered a briefing about his strategic vision – which was distributed to the meeting’s participants - as well as the specific requirements and needs to build the capacity of seven key police departments and implement this plan.

Addressing the meeting, SRSG Salamé welcomed and thanked all attendees and added that “This meeting is necessary, because there is a firm decision by the Government of National Accord and Minister Bashagha to exercise all responsibilities entrusted to the ministry and contribute to extending the State’s authority over all its territory. This meeting is a clear message of the international community’s strong support for this decision”.

Deputy SRSG Stephanie Williams expressed her optimism about the recent steps taken by the Ministry of the Interior. “This meeting illustrates UNSMIL's recognition of the criticality to support and reform Libya's security sector. Your support in these efforts is essential. Already some of you have come forward and we are grateful for your trust,” said Williams.

Representatives of the international community extended full support to the Interior Minister and expressed their commitment to provide technical, political and strategic assistance to the ministry’s efforts and plans to strengthen the capacity of the security authorities.

The participants agreed, at the end of the meeting, that UNSMIL organises another meeting after two months to evaluate the results of the briefing and the assistance provided.