Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.
President, I will make three points today.
First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by recent violence and clashes in Tripoli.
We urge all parties to exercise restraint and engage constructively in mediation efforts to prevent further escalation.
The clashes underscore the fragility of Libya's security landscape and the urgent need for sustainable political progress.
Second, I want to echo the SRSG's remarks and welcome the renewed commitment shown at the International Follow-up Committee on Libya in Berlin on 20 June.
We are concerned at Libya's trajectory, particularly the worsening political and economic conditions.
And these trends threaten the country's stability, sovereignty and unity.
We therefore fully support UNSMIL's efforts to improve international coordination in support of the UN-facilitated political process.
Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the valuable work of the Advisory Committee on technical options for elections pathways.
Now, as SRSG Tetteh engages stakeholders to devise a political roadmap, we call on all Libyan actors to engage meaningfully with UNSMIL as it moves into the next stage of the process.
Our message is clear: now is the opportunity for Libyan actors to shape the future of the political process, towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Libya.
In closing, we recognise the importance of creating conditions that ultimately enable national elections to be conducted safely, inclusively and credibly.
Forthcoming municipal elections provide an opportunity for Libyan institutions and security actors to demonstrate their commitment to this goal.
This is an opportunity for Libyans to exercise their democratic rights and shape local governance.
It is essential that all actors work to foster an environment in which democratic practice can take root and be sustained.
