Libya arms embargo extended

With the conflict in Libya worsening by the day, the Security Council has renewed measures designed to implement the arms embargo against it for another year, especially that authorizing member states to inspect vessels on the high seas off its coast when reasonable grounds exist to believe they’re violating the ban.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2473 (2019) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council extended authorizations set out in resolution 2420 (2018).

It also requested the Secretary-General to report within 11 months on the text’s implementation.

During a brief debate, Council members, underscoring the need to keep the embargo in place, reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Libya, emphasizing that there’s no military solution to the conflict.

Stephen Hickey, the representative of the United Kingdom, the text’s main sponsor, echoed other speakers in urging a return to dialogue and a political process facilitated by the United Nations.

He expressed concern over reports of weapons entering Libya and reminded all member states of their obligations under resolution 1970 (2011). He called on all parties to respect the arms embargo and desist from any actions that might hinder a UN-facilitated dialogue. Emphasizing that there is no military solution to Libya’s challenges, he called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access and a return to talks, adding that a UN-led political dialogue is the only way to achieve the stability and security that Libyans deserve.

Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve of Belgium voiced support for extending the embargo and denounced its systematic violation. Describing the embargo as indispensable, he said there’s no military solution to the situation in Libya. Agreeing with the UK representative, he called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue under the aegis of the UN and expressed the hope that the Council will state its position as soon as possible.

Anne Gueguen of France said her country is extremely concerned about the situation, especially with regard to the ongoing fighting and the potential effects for countries in the region. She reiterated France’s call for an immediate ceasefire with no preconditions, and the parties committing to a dialogue facilitated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

Others who spoke included Jerry Matthews Matjila, South Africa; Kacou Houadja Léon Adom, Côte d’Ivoire; Juergen Schulz, Germany; and Dian Triansyah Djani, Indonesia.