Vietnam calls for acceleration of political process in Libya

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN made the remarks during a meeting on May 21 of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the situation in the North African nation and the operations of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

He hailed the important recent progress made in Libya, whilst highlighting Vietnamese support for UNSMIL in assisting the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and ending the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya. This is accordance with the ceasefire agreement and relevant Resolutions passed by the UNSC.

The local diplomat went on to praise the efforts of the UNSMIL, neighbouring countries, regional organisations, and concerned partners who have been involved in the process of promoting peace in Libya over recent years. In addition, actions which minimise risks and protect civilians from danger caused by bombs, mines, and explosives left over from the war are commendable and must be increased, Ambassador Quy said.

Various UNSC member states therefore welcomed recent positive developments in Libya, lauded the UNSMIL’s efforts, and urged concerned parties to fully follow the ceasefire agreement and prepare for an upcoming election.

Countries went on to underscore the importance of fully implementing the UNSC’s arms embargo on Libya to end the presence of foreign mercenaries and boost security sector reform efforts in the North African country.

The UNSMIL was originally established in line with the UNSC’s Resolution 2009 in 2011 with the main task of facilitating political transition and election process in Libya. On April 16 the UNSC moved to adopt Resolution 2570 to permit the UNSMIL to support the ceasefire monitoring mechanism dated October 23, 2020, in Libya as suggested by parties in the country. This is in addition to setting up a ceasefire monitoring group with a maximum of 60 civil observers as recommended by the UN Secretary-General.