President I would like to make three points.
First, Libya’s economic trajectory is alarming.
With no unified budget and, as SRSG Tetteh said, no oversight, present levels of public spending by Libyan authorities risk rapidly diminishing the nation’s wealth.
Competition for state resources is putting Libya’s institutions under grave pressure, and risks fuelling renewed conflict.
Libya has the resources to build a prosperous future. But to achieve it, Libya’s leaders must put aside narrow interests and agree on a unified economic framework in the national interest.
We welcome the return of the World Bank to Tripoli to support this work.
Second, the UK is deeply concerned by the destabilising activities of Libyan security actors and armed groups.
This includes reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, imprisonment without due process and assassination attempts.
There needs to be accountability for such acts, to support civic space and trust in Libya’s law enforcement.
The recent closure of humanitarian organisations’ offices and detention of their employees is particularly troubling.
We urge Libyan authorities to work with international NGOs and resolve differences through dialogue.
Humanitarian organisations are an indispensable part of our collective efforts to support Libya, including to help address the Libyan authority’s concerns about illegal migration.
Third, Libya’s economic and security challenges underscore the urgent need for progress on the political track.
Libya needs a comprehensive, inclusive political process which will provide the foundation for sound economic governance, rule of law and accountability, and help tackle corruption.
The UK strongly supports UNSMIL’s efforts and commends SRSG Tetteh for her leadership.
A revitalised political process, flowing from the Advisory Committee’s deliberations, presents a real opportunity to chart a path towards the peace, stability and prosperity that the Libyan people deserve and yearn for, as I heard during my own visit to Libya and in more recent exchanges with young Libyans.
So we urge all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the UN’s efforts and the Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
