Acting UN envoy Stephanie Koury said on Wednesday in her briefing at the Security Council that since her last briefing to the Security Council on 20 August, she had focused extensively on unilateral measures by various Libyan sides and the instability they had caused.
Koury said over the last two months, UNSMIL continued to witness the negative effects of these unilateral decisions, but also experienced a positive development that restores some hope that Libyan leaders will take the necessary steps to take their country forward.
"The crisis around the Central Bank initially raised tensions among armed formations in Tripoli and the West in late August, but these subsided after these formations agreed through intense negotiations led by the president and the Ministry of Interior on new security arrangements, including handling over control of several key locations in the capital to the Ministry of Interior." She explained.
She added: "Increasingly concerned about the impact on the Libyan people, UNSMIL convened in September several rounds of talks on the basis of the Libyan Political Agreement with the representatives from the Parliament, the High Council of State, and the Presidential Council.
On 26 September, delegates from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State signed an agreement that included nominees for the positions of the Central Bank Governor and Deputy Governor and mandated the establishment of the Board of Directors. On 2 October a new CBL Governor and Deputy Governor took office following consultations by the High Council of State and endorsement by the House of Representatives."
Koury said UNSMIL welcomed this outcome, which was followed on 3 October by the National Oil Corporation announcing the lifting of the force majeure, thereby enabling the full resumption of oil operations and exports.
"Further steps remain to be taken, starting with the appointment of a Board of Directors. A competent, accountable Central Bank leadership is essential to restoring trust among the Libyan people and credibility in the global financial system. I urge Libyan stakeholders to support this new leadership in undertaking critical monetary policy and governance related reforms." She explained.
She said these events remind of the critical importance of ensuring the independence of state institutions and the need to de-politicize the use of Libyan institutions and natural resources for political gains. She also said the House of Representatives’ earlier decision to revoke the mandate of the Government of National Unity and of the Presidential Council and as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces continues to be a source of tension. Consensus on a way forward on a national reconciliation process, which remains stalled, also needs to be achieved
Koury said the resolution of the Central Bank crisis signals hope for progress on an inclusive political process, facilitated by the United Nations, which can take the country to general elections and long-term stability. She added UNSMIL is actively working to advance such a process, for which international support remains crucial.
"let me reiterate that the status quo in Libya has persisted for too long and is unsustainable. The Central Bank crisis revealed the fragile nature of the stability that is sometimes seen as a result of the political stalemate. The Libyan people deserve better. It is time to dispel a perception that the UN and international community are only working to manage the crisis in Libya but not address it. It is my intent to build on recent positive achievements and advance an inclusive political process in the coming weeks aimed at breaking the political deadlock addressing longstanding conflict drivers and moving towards national elections." Koury explained.
