The situation in Libya - Security Council, 10242nd meeting

The 10,241st meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the question concerning Haiti. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Haiti to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2026/806, the text of a draft resolution submitted by Panama and the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/806, please raise their hand. Those against? Abstentions? The result of the voting is as follows: 14 votes in favor, 0 votes against, 1 abstention. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 28/31 of 2026. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the vote. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam President. First, I would like to thank our co-penholder, Panama, for its constructive leadership on this resolution. The United States also stands with Panama in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck its country. As Panama's term on the Security Council nears its end, we'd like to extend a warm thank you for two great years of collaboration as our penholder. We are deeply grateful for your dedication to peace and security in Haiti as we work together towards a more secure and prosperous Western Hemisphere. We welcome the extension of the mandate of the Haiti Panel of Experts. and the renewal of the travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo measures for another year. As Haiti continues the fight to regain control of its country, the United States wishes to make a clarifying point to all member states as it relates to the territorial arms embargo. The arms embargo does not apply to the sale, supply, or transfer of arms and related material or the provision of related assistance and training to the government of Haiti, intended solely to further objectives of peace and stability. Today's vote is yet another unwavering signal that the international community stands with the people of Haiti. Just a few weeks ago, this Council reauthorized a novel mission that is uniquely designed to address immediate security threats in Haiti and to promote peace and stability in the country. In that regard, the United States encourages the international community to support Haiti's National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement, and Reintegration. This initiative will be key to tackling the gangs that are destabilizing the country and offer a pathway towards peace. Consistent with the resolution, we also call upon the Haitian government to adopt a decree regulating the exploitation of baby eels, also known as elvers, and related trade. This illicit exploitation of this wildlife is fueling armed groups and criminal networks in the country and depriving the Haitian people of their resources. The United States will also continue to consider designations through the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies to ensure UN sanctions lists are fit for purpose. These sanctions are key components of a broader international effort to promote peace and stability in Haiti and in the region. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Madam President. Given that this is most likely the last resolution that we will present before this Council in our capacity as co-pen holder on the Haiti file, we wish to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to each and every one of the council's members. We thank those who are now with us this year, as well as those that were in 2025. We are grateful to you all for your readiness to engage in dialogue, your constructive spirit, and your commitment over the last almost two years of collaboration. We also wish to express our gratitude to the countries of our region. Their support and sustained commitment over time to the sisterly Republic of Haiti have been pivotal in championing an international response commensurate with the challenges faced by that country. We wish to extend particularly sincere gratitude to our co-penholder, the United States of America. We thank them for their close cooperation, their shared leadership, their commitment throughout the entirety of this process. we have engaged in many negotiations, text revision processes, and we've had long days of working side by side. These all reflect the effort and the devotion that we have both embraced over the last almost two years. Together, we've had the privilege and the responsibility of contributing to strengthening this Council's response to one of the most pressing crises besetting our region. Going back to the issue under consideration today, we wish to underscore that sanctions related to Haiti, and in particular the effective implementation of the arms embargo, stand as crucial tools with which to tackle the violence that continues to beleaguer the country. As we have warned on several occasions, To tackle violence in Haiti, it is pivotal to also tackle the networks that allow the gangs to perpetuate and expand their criminal activities. The symbiotic relationship that has been broadly documented between specific sectors of political and economic elites and the gangs that today hold hostage the sisterly Republic of Haiti cannot be left on the margins of this Council's efforts. As such, in our view, it is necessary to embrace the recommendations of the panel of experts and to forge ahead with including new individuals on the list of sanctions, particularly those who, using positions of power and influence, contribute to the financing of these structures and turn a profit from their criminal activities. Against this backdrop, we are of the view that we must recall that the effectiveness of sanctions regimes depends not only on the measures that this Council adopts, but also on our ability and sense of responsibility as member states in terms of guaranteeing compliance with the measures adopted. We cannot allow these mechanisms to find themselves weakened by practices designed to evade implementation of the sanctions. On the contrary, we must step up efforts to close the loopholes which facilitate sanction evasion. We must also preserve their credibility and effectiveness as tools for the maintenance of international peace and security. Madam President, as we come to the end of our term on this Council, PANDMA and its people wish to reaffirm their commitment to the sisterly Republic of Haiti and to the Haitian people. The responsibility of the international community does not come to an end with the adoption of this resolution. Rather, it demands that sustained attention be given to the various facets of this crisis. We trust that this Council will continue to work with the same spirit of resolve to support the Haitian people in their efforts to achieve the security and the stability to which the country and its people have a right and that for so long have remained out of their grasp. I thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of China.

President, China welcomes the Council's adoption of the resolution extending the mandate of the sanctions regime on Haiti for one year. I recognize the efforts of the co-panholders and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts for their work over the past year. The Council's sanctions regime against Haitian gangs is an important tool for curbing gang-related violence and crime and improving the security situation in Haiti. Through China's efforts and those of other Council members, the sanctions regime has been developing and improving since its establishment, and has now evolved into a comprehensive institutional framework. At the same time, it must be noted that the sanctions regime alone cannot automatically improve the Haitian security situation. Member States must take concrete actions to ensure effective implementation of the sanctions measures. The current situation in Haiti remains grave. As several UN reports indicate, Haitian gangs continue to obtain large quantities of weapons and ammunition from abroad, posing a serious threat to the safety and security of the Haitian people and that of the international forces. The resolution just adopted expresses grave concern over the continued flow of illicit weapons and once again issues a clear call for the full and effective implementation of the arms embargo. We urge Member States, especially the country that is the main source of illicit weapons and ammunition for Haiti, to take urgent and decisive measures to combat arms trafficking at the source, and support the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts as they continue their work to monitor progress in implementation. will work closely with fellow Council members to continue advancing the sanctions listing process based on comprehensive, objective facts and thorough discussions, thereby creating a powerful deterrence on criminal gangs. President, the sanctions regime is just one of the tools for addressing Haiti's multiple crises. Ultimately, breaking Haiti out of its predicament depends on the country's own political will and concrete efforts. All political parties and factions in Haiti must demonstrate a sense of responsibility, strengthen unity, and effectively advance a political process that is Haitian-led and Haitian-owned. The Haitian authorities must truly assume the primary responsibility for maintaining security and improving governance, combat corruption and impunity, impunity and eliminate the breeding ground for violence. Together with the international community, China will continue supporting the Haitian people in finding the right path out of the crisis at an early date. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, the Russian Federation abstained during the vote. on the United States and Panama's draft resolution of the Security Council renewing the sanctions regime on Haiti. Our delegation took a responsible approach to negotiations on the draft, adopting a constructive participation in the negotiation process. The documents that were submitted for the Council's consideration introduces seemingly noble elements that conceal serious risks. creating the possibility to sanction individuals that are accused of misappropriation, embezzlement, and diversion of public resources. And this expansive wording is not directly linked to the core listing criteria enshrined in the sanctions regime created by Security Council Resolution 2653. Let me state right away that Russia's position during the vote is in no way motivated by a desire to protect corrupt officials or to demonstrate a particular attitude vis-a-vis the Haitian political elite. We are of the understanding that in the context of the extremely fragile political process in the country, any external interference in it can only exacerbate an already complex situation. The introduction of essentially a new sanctions criterion creates the risk of reshaping the country's political landscape in the interests of outside players through the advancement of controversial decisions in the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee. We declare responsibly that we will thoroughly study all listings proposals based on reliable sources of information in the concrete country context and time context. On the whole, we are forced to agree with the assessments of the panel of experts that the 2653 sanctions regime is highly ineffective and that there is a low level of compliance with sanctions, both in Haiti and, first and foremost, in the countries from where arms are being smuggled. If these states took effective measures to staunch the flow of weapons, then the problem of the gangs' stranglehold and security problems in this Caribbean state and in general would be much less acute. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of France.

Madame President, Madame President. The Security Council is determined to restore peace and security in Haiti and to support the restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the country. We're doing that to allow all of the Haitian people to escape the chaos and the suffering that they have faced for too long. Two weeks ago, the Council renewed the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force. This force has a robust mandate and has the invaluable support of the United Nations. It will strive to loosen the stranglehold of criminal gangs to put an end to their senseless violence against the Haitian people and to resume territorial control. Today, through resolution 2831, we renew the sanctions regime and the arms embargo on Haiti. France wishes to thank the missions of the United States and Panama for their constructive efforts, which have made it possible to achieve this goal. This resolution comprises staunch and comprehensive measures adopted by this Council to dry up flows of weapons and munitions, as well as the flows of financing which fuel criminal gangs, misappropriation, embezzlement and the diversion of public funds have been identified as a source of major concern and will continue to be subject to particularly acute attention. Madam President, the task before us is colossal, just as the responsibility of this Council is. The Haitian Provisional Electoral Council announced a few days ago that elections would be postponed because the stability required for their proper conduct is not in place for the Haitian people to deliver their opinion as as possible, with full freedom and sovereignty, at elections, we must step up our efforts and implement the decisions taken by this Council. We must do so by accelerating the deployment of the GSF to allow it to be operational as soon as possible, and by adding to the list of sanctions individuals which support and finance the gangs. Information regarding these individuals are available. Let us take action to combat impunity. and not allow those threatening the stability of Haiti and its people to lay down the law. Let us return the freedom to the Haitian people that stems from their security. Thank you.

Thanks for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. DA3 welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2831 of 2026, renewing the Haiti sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. We thank the co-pen holders, Panama and the United States, for their leadership and constructive engagement. By voting in favor, The A3 reaffirms its determination to confront the gangs terrorizing Haiti, their communities, and to hold accountable those who arm, finance, or otherwise enable them. These measures are targeted. They are directed at perpetrators and their enablers, not at Haiti or its people. Today's decision builds on resolution 2794 of 2025 and complements resolution 2829 of 2026, which renewed the Gang Suppression Force. These two instruments serve distinct but mutually reinforcing purposes. The force confronts gang violence on the ground, while sanctions disrupt the networks that sustain it. We welcome the continued application of designation criteria related to the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, the reaffirmation of the humanitarian exemption, and the attention given to due process. We underline that any listing must rest on credible evidence and established criteria. Children recruited by gangs must be treated primarily as victims, and those who recruit them must be held accountable. We welcome the Council's call for urgent and decisive implementation of the arms embargo. The weapons fueling violence in Haiti are not manufactured in Haiti. Preventing their trafficking and diversion is our shared responsibility, particularly for states of origin and transit. Controls must apply across the supply chain, from manufacture and export to transit and delivery. We therefore call on all States to strengthen marking, tracing, record-keeping, export and end-user controls, as well as law enforcement cooperation, consistent with the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument. We welcome that the Gang Suppression Force will report to the Panel of Experts any diversion of weapons and we urge full cooperation with the committee and the panel. Effective implementation also requires sustained support for Haiti's police, customs, border, and justice institutions. The Secretary General's assessment of progress against benchmarks should guide assistance and identify gaps. The A3's position is clear. Perpetrators must be held accountable. External enablers must assume their responsibilities. The Haitian people must be protected. And Haitian ownership must remain central, with sanctions and the force reinforcing, not replacing, Haitian institutions. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Thank you, Madam President. We welcome the adoption of the resolution extending Haiti sanctions regime for one year and thank the penholders, the United States and Panama, for their dedicated and constructive leadership. Latvia voted in favour of the renewal of the Haiti sanctions regime. reaffirming our commitment to supporting efforts to restore democratic governance and rule of law in Haiti. As illicit trafficking and diversion of weapons are fuelling gang violence and continue to be a major challenge, we welcome the focus on the arms embargo, including the need to strengthen its full and effective implementation. We are pleased to see that a particular importance in this resolution is given to the need for a comprehensive approach to disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in Haiti, including preventing the recruitment of children. We recall that the children, first and foremost, are the victims of the gang violence in Haiti. We also welcome the inclusion of additional conditions that strengthen the framework for accountability on misappropriation, embezzlement, and diversion of public resources in Haiti. And we believe that these provisions represent an important step towards ensuring that sanctions can respond more effectively to a conduct that erodes state institutions, fuels insecurity, and deprives the Haitian people of resources essential to public services and national development. We therefore support the renewal as an important instrument that, alongside broader political, security, and development efforts can contribute to restoring stability and advancing a peaceful, secure, and democratic future for Haiti. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Thank you, Madam President.

We particularly wish to extend hearty greetings to the Permanent Representative of Haiti. He is with us today at this meeting. Colombia wishes particularly to see the restoration of the country's constitutional institutions, but also, and most specifically, we wish to see the government retake full control of its territory. In our experience, without security, there can be no peace, and there will be no ability to restore constitutional order and the state's authority.

Colombia thanks the penholders, the United States of America and Panama, for their efforts and in the adoption of this resolution. The consensus among Council members reflect at least the need to reestablish also in the future national ownership. This is a path for national ownership. And the people of Haiti really needs to go through this process, given the lack of control of the element of the essential elements of the territory from international perspective but also from the government the challenge is overwhelming we strongly encourage to reflect on the designations of the resolutions if we know that 70% of the control of port principle is in the hands of gangs, and we have only nine designations for nine individuals and two entities, it seems that these people cannot be just the ones that are creating the humanitarian and the violence in the country. The Council should review the extent of those designations to include as well other criminal activities. We believe that in the path of national ownership, the travel ban, the asset freeze, and especially the arms embargo are essential tools. We also believe that part of the benchmarks of recovering the national ownership is also the support of the international community towards constitutional reform, an institutional system which needs naturally also economic investment in the region. This is not just an effort to provide security. If we are serious about returning to Haiti national ownership, the resolution is part of an effort, but it's not the only tool of the Security Council. And we do share the view of others here that also naturally has to do his own efforts.

Madam President, as a Latin American country, we particularly endorse and express gratitude for the efforts of the USA and Panama on this resolution. Colombia supports unreservedly these efforts. Our delegation also supports the work of the Panel of Experts, its findings, its recommendations. Colombia wishes to underscore that violence in Haiti cannot be tackled in isolation from regional dynamics of organized crimes, transnational organized crimes, indeed. Against that backdrop, we wish to underscore the particular concern that is something which is unique to this situation, and that is the supply of and then the production of drugs. This is a continent-wide, global phenomenon, but it's also a conflict within a conflict. The presence of drug traffickers in the region and the fact that transnational criminal industries having a role to play in conflicts such as is the case in Haiti. This is all relevant where arms trafficking and drug trafficking are concerned, and the international community must remain watchful of these phenomena. It should, if necessary, ultimately extend aid to Haiti, bearing those factors in mind. There is no doubt that the financing of criminal organizations and criminal gangs in Haiti is being done using international resources that are coming from international organizations working in drug trafficking and arms smuggling. Colombia will continue to support the Haitian people and will continue to support efforts spearheaded by the country's authorities to restore the state's authority, security, to strengthen Haitian institutions, and to ultimately implement a sovereign, independent, rule of law, and ensure there is an economically prosperous state. Thank you, President.

Thank you, representative of Colombia, for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Madam President. Pakistan thanks Panama and the United States for their work on the draft resolution. Objective and judicious application of UN sanctions in a targeted manner remains an indispensable tool for the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security. An effective and robust implementation by all Member States and Haitian stakeholders of the sanctions measures renewed today can help remedy the acute security crisis long fueled by the illicit flow of finances and arms that enable gangs to perpetrate violence against the Haitian people. Our positive vote today reflects our commitment and support for the collective efforts of the international community to restore peace and stability in Haiti. Sanctions cannot and must not be considered as an end in itself. While effective implementation of these sanctions remains a prerequisite, other underlying factors and root causes of instability also need an effective redressal. We appreciate the penholders, Panama and the United States, for highlighting the importance of DDR and UNHIT Peace Dividends Fund in the preamble of the resolution. We also value the inclusion of language on the due process and focal point mechanisms, and last but not least, the need for effective implementation of these sanctions. President, we support the work of 2653 Committee, including considering, deliberating, and deciding on further listings. We also value the work of the relevant panel of experts in promoting evidence-based and informed decision-making process. We regret that the 2653 Committee, like all other subsidiary bodies of the Council, is paralyzed due to lack of agreement on the appointment of their chairs and vice-chairs. This impasse has had a negative effect on their substantive business. We once again call for an early resumption of the Committee's routine functioning. To conclude, Madam President, We support all efforts to bring stability to Haiti, while respecting Haiti's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the political choices made by Haiti to overcome its current challenges. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam President. United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution and welcomes its adoption. We thank the United States and Panama for your work as penholders. The United Kingdom condemns the violence that continues to undermine efforts to restore democratic rule and stability in Haiti. The UN sanctions regime and arms embargo remain essential tools to address insecurity in Haiti and to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people. We should take action to implement this regime and to embrace the recommendations of the panel of experts. We welcome the Council's focus on the misappropriation and diversion of public resources and remain deeply concerned by widespread sexual and gender-based violence in Haiti. The United Kingdom will continue to work in support of Haiti and her people. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I will now give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I wish at the outset to hail the Greek presidency of the Security Council for October. I wish to thank all Council members for their unstinting focus on the situation in Haiti. The Republic of Haiti welcomes the adoption of the resolution renewing the sanctions regime established pursuant to resolution 2653. This decision bears witness to the Council's determination to continue efforts aiming at combating the criminal networks that threaten the peace, security and stability of our country and the region. My delegation also wishes to thank the co-penholders on Haiti, that is Panama and the United States. And we also thank Council members for their efforts to bring about the adoption of this text. Madam President, The report of the Secretary-General, published as S/2020/6716, as well as that of the Panel of Experts on Haiti, shed light on the complex nature of the security challenges that our country continues to face. These reports underscore the fact that the capacity of armed groups to do harm is not only rooted in their criminal activities, but also in the existence of networks which finance, supply and support these criminal networks. These are sometimes facilitated by national and international actors that have economic resources and political influence. In this connection, Haiti is of the view that it is vital to ensure that the sanctions regime tackle all of the mechanisms which fuel and perpetuate violence. This while ensuring stringent adherence to listing criteria, procedural safeguards and evidentiary standards. Sanctions cannot be an end in themselves. Their effectiveness must be measured by their real ability to reduce the resources of criminal groups and to contribute to the restoration of security. Madam President, in spite of the sizeable constraints facing Haiti, the Haitian state is continuing its efforts to strengthen its national institutions. These efforts are namely being translated into the gradual strengthening of the Haitian National Police, the consolidation of the Haitian Armed Forces, and the operationalization of specialized judicial structures in the fight against criminal financing and mass crimes. However, these national initiatives can only be fully effective with consistent, predictable international support, which is tailored to needs identified on the ground. Haiti remains particularly concerned by the illicit circulation of weapons and munitions. This continues to fuel the activities of criminal groups. It is important to recall that this phenomenon extends far beyond national borders. Preventing this phenomenon demands strengthened cooperation between states of origin, transit and destination, namely in terms of monitoring cargo, ensuring arms tracing and the sharing of intelligence, as well as tackling smuggling networks. Consequently, we welcome the expert recommendations regarding the registration, stockpiling, management and the traceability of weapons and munitions seized during GSF operations. We also endorse recommendations regarding the reporting of material loss. These mechanisms must support and not replace Haitian institutional control over the weapons seized. The arms embargo can only achieve its goals if its implementation is rigorous, effective and a matter of shared responsibility by States concerned. President, my delegation also wishes to recall the importance of ensuring international commitments are translated into specific operational capacity. We also reaffirm the need to support national capacities to conduct investigations and inquiries, ensure justice is done and fight against impunity. It's also important that international efforts support our efforts in terms of DDR. All of this must be part of an overall comprehensive approach which looks at the rule of law, protection of civilians, and the restoration of essential services, the fight against corruption, and the creation of an environment propitious to a political and electoral process which are credible. As we renew this sanctions regime, the Security Council reaffirms its responsibility in terms of searching for a lasting solution to the Haitian crisis. I can say to you that all the comments that have been made here will be faithfully transmitted to Haitian authorities. It is now incumbent upon all actors concerned to ensure that this decision produces tangible measures. It must lead to the weakening of criminal networks, the reduction of illicit trafficking of weapons, and the strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Haitian state. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Haiti for that statement.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned. The 10,242nd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is: The situation in Libya. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Anna Sewa Tette, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I now give the floor to Ms. Hannah Sewa Tete.

Good morning, Your Excellency, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished members of the Security Council. Ambassador Tahir Al-Sunni, Permanent Representative of Libya: Since my last briefing, We have seen encouraging progress on the UNSMIL-facilitated political process. Following four months of deliberations, on 30 August, the parties to the smaller convening signed an agreement in Tripoli, marking a break in the prolonged political and institutional deadlock. The agreement of the small convening has received broad support from national and international actors. I would like to thank this Council. for its sustained support of Ansar's approach after the signing of the agreement, as reaffirmed in your press statement on the 8th of September. The agreement was welcomed by the government of national unity, the Libyan National Army, the House of Representatives, and the vice president of the presidential council, Moussa Al-Koni, among others. This support reflects a recognition among Libyan actors that the prolonged institutional impasse must be addressed in order to have unified institutions that are able to effectively manage the responsibilities of governance across the state of Libya. And that progress towards holding elections is important to achieve this objective and ensure a leadership that can respond to and address Libya's many challenges. The agreement provides for the reconstitution of the board of the High National Elections Commission. and for resolving longstanding contentious issues in the constitutional and legal framework that could negatively impact efforts to conduct peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. But I must emphasize that this is a political agreement. It establishes a viable pathway for legislative and presidential elections under a unified single executive authority within a period of 24 months. Regarding the board of the High National Elections Commission, the smaller convening agreement built on prior decisions of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State in relation to its board members, while the selection of the chair took into account factors including geographic balance with regard to the appointment of persons to head key sovereign institutions, helping to ensure broad-based representation. I commend the constructive spirit of the present and incoming board, and I'm confident that a handover can be managed effectively. ANSMIL will be ready to provide support for this transition, and the mission's electoral team will continue to be available to support the new board with technical advice. The agreement also provides for endorsement within a month by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State from the date of its signing. We encourage both chambers to endorse it while noting any reservations which could be subsequently addressed in the legislative drafting phase. On the 14th of September, the House of Representatives endorsed the agreement, building on an earlier statement of support on the 31st of August by 103 members. On 28th September, the Speaker of the House informed the mission of the adoption of laws regarding adopting and amending the agreement and the HNAC board composition. House of Representatives. Council takes note of these laws and decisions and reiterates the position of the parties to the smaller convening that any steps of procedural and legal nature should respect the spirit of consensus. For its part, the High Council of State rejected the agreement on the fifth of October, along with the laws and decisions communicated by the speaker of the House of Representatives. Citing approaches that would bypass the constitutional, legal, and or undermine the prerogatives assigned to the two institutions. Regrettably, their rejection of the agreement continues to reflect the limited willingness of some of its members to engage constructively in this process, which has been a feature of ongoing engagement with this chamber. That notwithstanding, several HCS members have indicated their willingness to engage on the agreement and have requested additional time to consult among themselves on moving the process forward. That has been done by way of formal communication to UNSMIL. That said, I wish to re-emphasize that Libya cannot afford to allow spoilers to obstruct the process. I will provide more detail on the outcomes of this engagement and the Mission's proposed next steps in my next Council briefing. I will further consult the parties to the small convening in our next meeting later this month, including by examining the option of proceeding to a national mechanism of broad representation as provided for in Article 5 of the agreement and in consultation with this Council. Madam President, Excellencies, Members of Council, the work undertaken through the smaller convening has created an important foundation which needs to be strengthened and built upon. However, I would like to add that it is not the only mechanism that the mission will engage to continue to advance the objectives of the Annsmull Roadmap. The electoral process cannot be isolated from wider institutional challenges which impact the holding of elections,

including the fragmentation of the judiciary.

For this reason, I welcome the decision of the parties to the smaller convening to explore practical steps with Libyan judicial and legal experts to address the division of the judiciary, ensure its independence, provide coherent legal certainty, and safeguard the integrity of national elections. Moving forward, UNSMIL intends to work with diverse Libyan stakeholders on other priority issues to create the conditions for the holding of elections and

unifying institutions, drawing on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the structured dialogue, and through ongoing meetings and consultations with diverse groups of Libyan stakeholders. International and regional support remains an essential condition to achieve progress. To consolidate international support for the political roadmap, I have continued my engagement with regional and international partners who underscored the importance of preserving Libya's stability, strengthening its institutions, and supporting a unified Libyan-led path towards resolving outstanding political issues.

Madam President, Excellencies, Members of Council, in other institutional-related developments, On the 5th of October, in the presence of 102 members, the House of Representatives voted to change its internal rules of procedure, including establishing a rotating 12-month term for the presidency. On the 6th of October, in the presence of 111 members, the House of Representatives conducted elections for a new presidency. I would like to congratulate Mr. Salahin Abdul Nabi on his election as speaker. along with new members of the presidency. UNSMIL looks forward to working with the House of Representatives to advance the next steps of the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap and the smaller convening agreement. But I would also like to express my appreciation to the outgoing speaker, Mr. Aguilasale, for his leadership and engagement over his 12-year tenure of service. Madam President, Excellencies, members of council, Institutional and political fragmentation has continued to impact negatively on the economic and security situation in the country. While global oil prices should have generated a significant windfall for public revenues to benefit the majority of Libyans, many of them have instead seen their purchasing power eroded by rising food prices, a weaker dinar, and inflation right now of above 14%, while access to essential public services remains unreliable. Food prices further rose by 3.8% in August, with the pressure particularly acute in the west and the south, where food costs increased sharply over the summer. The fuel subsidy system in Libya illustrates how the fiscal pressures are playing out in practice. As global fuel prices rose sharply from mid-2026, particularly for diesel, the incentives to divert subsidized fuel to external markets through illicit smuggling activities increased. Between January and September 2026, fuel imports according to available data totaled 8.15 million metric tons at a cost of 8.9 billion US dollars, of which between 30 to 50% of these imports are estimated to be lost to smuggling, worth between 2.4 and 4.4 billion US dollars. The state bears a growing fiscal burden for subsidized fuel, which the population will not benefit from once it's been smuggled out. While significant volumes are diverted effectively, generating windfall profits for those involved in these illegal activities, while creating significant financial losses for the state and severe fuel shortages for the public and key institutions. This further constrains the state's ability to meet its financial obligations to its citizens, including the payment of public sector wages,

investing in the maintenance of critical infrastructure, and the provision of basic services on which Libyans depend, while many, particularly in the south, continue to face fuel and electricity shortages. The recent disruptions to oil infrastructure demonstrates the wider economic cost of political and security fragmentation to impact strategic national assets. Petroleum facility guards from Zintan blocked the Hammadah-Zawiyah pipeline from the 15th to the 20th of September, followed by the Sharara-Zawiyah pipeline from the 21st to the 26th of September, reportedly due to disputes over appointments from within that region. The disruptions resulted in around 1 million barrels of lost production, worth approximately about 100 million US dollars, and risk affecting salary payments and electricity generation. I wish to recall that attacks against all actions that undermine Libya's oil and energy infrastructure may constitute grounds for the imposition of measures under relevant Security Council resolutions. Rising living costs and persistent disparities in public sector pay are increasingly fueling popular discontent and social tensions. Throughout September, doctors, health workers, and teachers staged strikes and protests in Tripoli and elsewhere over unpaid salary increases, employment conditions, and their allowances. And on the 27th of September, teachers launched a nationwide strike, delaying the start of the school year for around 1.6 million public school students across the country. Against this backdrop, moving to the full implementation of the Unified Development Program to strengthen coordination over public expenditure and development investments across the country is now becoming increasingly more urgent. We are also concerned by reports of suspension of several recently elected mayors by the Deputy Minister of Local Government of the House of Representatives appointed government following their engagement with officials in Tripoli. We welcome reports that some of them have been reinstated and the suspension of the remaining mayors is expected to be lifted. And we call on all parties to ensure that locally elected officials can carry out their duties and serve their communities without interference. Madam President, Excellencies, Members of Council, the overall security situation remains fragile. I welcome positive steps towards enhanced military cooperation between Eastern and Western military and security institutions, and the mission continues to encourage confidence-building measures at the technical level between both sides. Following the meeting of the two Chiefs of General Staff, General Saahladin al-Namrush and General Khalid Haftar, facilitated by UNSMIL in Sirte on the 12th of July, the Eastern and Western Maritime Air Force and Air Defence Commanders held a follow-up meeting in Sirte on the 9th of December to discuss practical cooperation towards reunifying these sectors.

Moreover, the two Chiefs of General Staff recently issued decrees to operationalize in Benghazi and Tripoli the Joint Centers for Information Exchange and Coordination on Border Security. These centers are jointly staffed by military and police personnel from the Libyan National Army and the Government of National Unity, and will work on communication and information sharing between Benghazi and Tripoli regarding border and security-related matters. A further training for the Joint Technical Coordination Team on Border Security took place to finalize arrangements for operationalizing the centers and recommended the conduct of joint border security field missions. UNSML would also like to commend the work of the Western Coast Security Arrangements Committee in de-escalating tensions, reducing clashes and security incidents, and enhancing security coordination in Zawiyah and other Western cities. The situation in Southern Libya also warrants continued attention. Strengthening state presence, improving border management, as well as addressing local grievances related to access to services, can contribute positively to stability in these areas. We note that there are discrepancies between the north and south of the country regarding the provision of public services that are exacerbating discontent and instability within the southern region. Madam President, Excellencies, Members of the Council, over the last two months, 58 individuals convicted of prior crimes related to terrorism offences, including alleged membership in proscribed terrorist groups and/or involvement in the killing of military and civilian personnel, have been executed in Benghazi. I reiterate the points raised in our 16 September statement from UNSMIL, calling on the suspension of further executions, urging the authorities to review procedures and ensuring adherence to fair trials and due process. On the basis that criminal penalties remain a decision of the State, and must conform to international human rights obligations. Ansmil has engaged extensively with relevant authorities on this issue. I take note of the decision by the Eastern authorities to facilitate mission access to death penalty case files and to support visit to detention facilities. We remain committed to work together to support full compliance with Libya's human rights obligations, strengthen the administration of justice, and protect.

The right to life and fair trial guarantees.

Madam President, Excellencies, Members of Council, I could not end without referencing the wave of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and incitement.

Targeting refugees and migrants, including those with irregular status, humanitarian actors, and the UN agencies and personnel in Libya, including our colleagues who are Libyan nationals. Legitimate public concerns regarding migration must be addressed through responsible policy dialogue and verified information. not through the spread of hate speech, intimidation or violence. The United Nations fully respects Libya's sovereignty and does not facilitate the permanent settlement of migrants and refugees in Libya. We welcome the Libyan authorities' engagement following recent security incidents against migrants and UN facilities and urge more concerted efforts to address the misinformation and incitement against migrants, ensure their safety and that of humanitarian and UN personnel and premises, and prevent further intimidation or violence. Libya's obligations towards refugees are not diminished by the fact that it is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Libya remains bound by its international human rights obligations including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, and the 1969 Organization of African Unity Refugee Convention. While Libya has the sovereign authority to manage its borders and migration, it must do so in line with its international obligations, including protection from arbitrary detention, torture, and other ill-treatment and refoulement. Madam President, Excellencies, Members of Council, in closing, the smaller convening agreement and the political progress made in recent months are important milestones. This demonstrates that constructive engagement can yield results. Yet, as I have described today, significant challenges remain. These challenges are amplified by the continued rejection by some parties to engage constructively and by the use of inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation, which risks hardening political positions, eroding willingness to compromise, and seeking to justify unilateral actions that would undermine the political process or, in a worst-case scenario, lead to violence. The goal now is to address the other critical priorities needed to create the conditions for the holding of national elections in a relatively peaceful environment and to unify institutions through the work of the smaller convening and broader inclusivity of other processes for engaging with Libyan stakeholders. We acknowledge the need to ensure greater inclusivity going.

Forward and will reflect that in any other processes developed to advance the political conditions to unify and strengthen institutions and support the holding of peaceful and credible national elections. The role of the Security Council and the broader international community remains critical, not only to encourage continued progress, but to provide assurances to the parties that their efforts will be supported with positive incentives and guarantees as they take critical steps to overcome political divisions. Importantly, we believe the Council should hold spoilers accountable, and I would appeal to this Council to urge all parties to move forward constructively, given the political, economic and security fragility of the situation in Libya and its impact on the overall stability of the region. The path to a stable, unified and prosperous Libya remains long, but our destination remains within reach. I urge all concerned actors to demonstrate the flexibility and political will needed to reach common ground. I also seek the Security Council's continued support to the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap, and to ensure Libyan leaders promptly meet their obligations to fulfil their people's ultimate aspirations for peace, stability, inclusive and democratic governance, which they deserve.

Thank you.

I thank Ms. Tette for her briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, SRSG Tetta, for your briefing. The United Kingdom supports UNSMIL and welcomes and supports your continuing work to move Libya's political process forward. We're at an important juncture in the roadmap that you described. Recent progress has created an opportunity to move Libya from political deadlock towards a brighter and more stable future. To realize that opportunity, commitments on paper need to be translated into action. First, on the 4+4 process, we welcome the agreement reached. The commitment from both sides to amend Libya's electoral laws and to hold parliamentary and presidential elections within 24 months is a significant step forward. Implementation now needs participants in that 4+4 process to honour the commitments they made, not to reopen or relitigate settled issues, and to engage wider stakeholders so that these commitments are fully recognised by both houses. in order that we can protect the compromises made by both sides and to move past the political stalemate that has risked instability and economic collapse. Second, on UNSMIL. We need to preserve UNSMIL's core remit of facilitating a durable and inclusive political settlement, as well as the mission's role in supporting the reunification of Libya's political, economic, military, and security institutions. Progress towards a single executive authority is essential to a lasting political settlement. We need also to preserve UNSMIL's role in continuing to support human rights and fundamental freedoms of Libyans as part of a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process, and continuing promotion of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at all levels. Third, on accountability, reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and attacks on civilian infrastructure are deeply troubling. Accountability for human rights violations and abuses remains essential, which needs enhanced independence and capacity of Libya's judiciary and institutions to collect evidence and investigate human rights violations. In which context, the United Kingdom welcomes the commitment made by the parties to the 4+4 in a 4th of October meeting to make all efforts to prevent the fragmentation of Libya's judiciary. Madam President, recent developments demonstrate that progress is possible and Libyan parties should now honor the commitments they have made to give Libyans the democratic choice, economic opportunity and security that they seek. Thank you.

Representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Madam President. We thank SRS G Hana Tete for the comprehensive briefing and appreciate her continued efforts to advance the political process and national reconciliation in Libya. Libya is a brotherly country to Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our support for its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity. Allow me to highlight four points. First, Pakistan reiterates that an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process remains the only viable pathway to lasting peace and stability. We welcome the agreement reached on 30th August through the UNSMIL-facilitated smaller convening on the reconstitution of the board of the High National Elections Commission and amendments to the electoral framework for the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections within two years. This represents an important step towards delivering free, fair, transparent, and inclusive national elections and advancing the unification of Libya's institutions to fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people. We encourage all Libyan stakeholders to support its implementation and engage constructively with UNSMIL to advance the political roadmap, including the unification of state institutions and the establishment of a unified executive authority. Second, on the security track, we welcome continued engagement between military and security institutions from eastern and western Libya. We encourage sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures towards unified national security institutions. We also reiterate the importance of preserving judicial unity and strengthening the rule of law. Third, the economic track remains central to sustaining peace and stability. We welcome the Unified Spending Framework for 2026. Its effective implementation can promote economic stability, fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and the equitable management of national resources. Lastly, we welcome all regional and international efforts, including those of the United States, aimed at supporting the United Nations-facilitated political process. We reaffirm our full support for UNSMIL and its continued efforts to advance an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. Pakistan remains committed to a stable, secure, and united Libya, and will continue to work constructively towards lasting peace and prosperity for the fraternal Libyan people. I thank you, Madam.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. We thank Special Representative Hannah Tette for her briefing and sustained engagement. And we commend all United Nations personnel supporting Libya and welcome the participation of Libya's permanent representative. Madam President, the Libyan people's resilience deserves a political process that delivers. Progress means Libyans choosing their leaders safely and trusting their institutions. We reaffirm Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process facilitated by the United Nations. On the political front, we welcome the 30 August smaller convening agreement and the House of Representatives endorsement. We urge all relevant institutions, including the House and High Council of State, to resolve outstanding differences through UNSMIL's facilitation and respect for agreed legal procedures, enabling implementation of the electoral framework and reconstitution of the Electoral Commission's board. We note the 10th September Ankara dialogue. Such engagements should reinforce the UN facilitated roadmap towards free, fair, transparent, and inclusive presidential and legislative elections. In April, UNSMIL recorded 2.8 million registered voters. They deserve a credible opportunity to participate. The commitment to work towards elections within 24 months requires immediate milestones and reporting. A timetable must create urgency never become permission for further delay. Women, youth, and communities across Libya must have a meaningful voice. Madam President, on security, we call for full implementation of a 2020 ceasefire, restraint, and protection of civilians. We acknowledge the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and progress toward unified military and security institutions under civilian authority. We reiterate our call for withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries, consistent with this Council resolutions and and compliant with the arms embargo. We condemn attacks on civilian infrastructure. We welcome the National Oil Corporation's announcement of resumed Sahara-Zawiyah pipeline pumping and call for uninterrupted, safe energy operations. Libya's national wealth must finance its people's future and remain protected from political and armed coercion. We encourage transparent implementation of the unified spending framework, effective oversight, and progress toward a unified budget. The integrity and independence of Libya's sovereign economic institutions must be preserved. Regarding Libya's frozen assets, the A3 reiterates its deep concern over the risk of erosion of their value, including through any misuse or mismanagement. We reaffirm that these assets must be safeguarded for the benefit of the Libyan people in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We call for transparency and accountability in their custody and management and for any substantiated violations to be addressed through appropriate legal processes, including remedies consistent with applicable law. Authorities frozen assets to establish their amount Sorry. We support comprehensive independent audits of the Libyan Investment Authority's frozen assets to establish their amount, location, and status, and urge relevant states and financial institutions to cooperate with these efforts, consistent with resolution 2769 of 2025 and 2819 of 2026. We call for investigations into enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, accountability and protection of civil space. We support ONSMIL's call to suspend further executions and uphold fair trial guarantees. Refugees and migrants must be protected. Incitement addressed and humanitarian personnel must be allowed to work safely. Madam President. Regional and international initiatives should complement UN-led mediation. We encourage UN coordination with the African Union, League of Arab States, and neighboring states, supporting national reconciliation and victims' rights. The A3 looks forward to constructively engaging the upcoming mandate renewal of UNSMIL in order to preserve the core responsibility and provide adequate resources for the mission. Reporting should enable the Council to assess implementation and address obstacles with a united approach. Libyan leaders must turn the 30 August agreement into functioning institutions and credible elections. Libya's people have waited long enough to choose their own future. Our responsibility is to help make that choice possible, peaceful, and respected. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of of Liberia for the statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, we are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Hannah Tette, for her briefing. We welcome the participation in today's meeting of the Permanent Representative of Libya, Taha al-Sunni. We are closely following the work of the SOSG to implement the previously prepared roadmap for the Libyan settlement aimed at overcoming the deadlock in the political process. On the 30th of August, between participants in the smaller convening, convened under the UNSMIL auspices, an agreement was signed on the main principles of the political process. And this, of course, appears as a significant step towards overcoming the inter-Libyan deadlock. This document, among other things, stipulates the organization of general elections within two years. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the fact that this agreement has received a mixed reaction from Libyan political forces that were not involved in the small convening. Far from all of them take a positive view of the steps taken by international mediators. In that regard, we have noted the letter from the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed Elmenfi, from 12 October, sent to the President of the Security Council. We are of the view that leaving out influential entities in the country would at the very least be counterproductive from the point of view of the long-term political stability of the country. We understand that working with Libyan institutions is very difficult, however, that is not a reason to ignore their opinion. It must be recalled that the situation in Libya is far from stable. Internal political divisions remain, and many organs of state, including the judiciary, continue to operate in parallel. The military and operational situation on the ground, particularly in western regions, is rightly worrying. Security problems inevitably have an impact on the socio-economic climate. The living standards of ordinary people have been worsened by the as yet insufficient inter-Libyan coordination on finance and economics. In these circumstances, anyone who wants to find common ground between Libyans should act extremely carefully. We believe it is useful in particular to make use of the positive force of existing Libyan legislation and existing inter-Libyan agreements, including the Sirat document. New initiatives should not lead to all previous work on the settlement being discarded. Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will be ready to support anything that is approved by the leading political forces of Libya. Solutions to existing disagreements should be sought through constructive dialogue aimed at achieving mutually acceptable compromises. any plan to get the country out of crisis would be incomplete without the coordinated support of all of its leaders. We call upon the head of UNSMIL to be guided by this logic in her future interactions with Libyan actors. On the whole, we remain firmly convinced that all key decisions on the future of this friendly state must be taken by Libyans themselves on the basis of the principle of inclusion, taking into account the opinions of all key politicians and institutions. We call for the preservation of the active coordinating role of the UN in international efforts to facilitate the Libyan settlement. For our part, we stand ready to do our part, and we call on all responsible international players to do the same. In future, all external mediation initiatives must be brought under the UN umbrella. In conclusion, we would like to reaffirm our support for the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Madam President. We wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hana Tete, for her invaluable updates. We welcome to the Chamber the distinguished Permanent Representative of Libya. He honours us today with his presence. Panama reaffirms its support for United Nations efforts to facilitate an inclusive political solution which is Libyan-owned and Libyan-led. a solution which will make it possible to move towards national elections and put an end to the prolonged transitional period. In this context, we welcome the agreement reached on 30 August by the members of the smaller convening, known as the 4+4 mechanism, pertaining to the reconstitution of the board of the High National Elections Commission and amendments to the electoral framework. In its press statement dated 8 September 2026, members of this Council recognized that the Agreement represents one step towards the holding of free, fair, transparent and inclusive national elections. Council members in that statement urged all Libyan actors to support its implementation. We welcome the smaller convening meeting held in Tunisia on 4 October, following on from the agreement of 30 August pertaining to the need to address judicial fragmentation and fully respect the independence of the judiciary. We take note of the concerns expressed by the Libyan Presidential Council. However, we are of the view that it is vital to ensure that these matters be addressed through dialogue in order to preserve the significant steps forward taken and to foster the timely implementation of the next steps of the political process. Madam President, In view of the upcoming renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, scheduled to take place at the end of this month, the Council must ensure that the United Nations support does not let up. It must continue for an adequate period of time at a complex stage in the Libyan political process. Consequently, Panama advocates a mandate renewal which makes it possible for the Mission to continue to effectively discharge its mandate of good offices, dialogue facilitation and support for an inclusive political process, with full respect for Libyan sovereignty and Libyan ownership. The continuation of this support is particularly important. to support the implementation of the agreements reached, as well as to facilitate dialogue between political stakeholders and to forge progress towards the establishment of the conditions necessary for the holding of national elections and the unification of state institutions. Elsewhere, we wish to point to the work done by the Unsmil Mine Action Programme in support of the eradication of thousands of explosive devices, the continued presence of explosive remnants of war and risks linked to inadequate storage processes continue to require sustained attention and cooperation. Moreover, we hail the mobilization on the part of Libyan authorities to assist zones affected by and to provide emergency assistance following recent flooding in Tripoli. This situation lays bare the challenges Libya faces in light of water stress, It also underscores the need to strengthen the capacity to respond to climate change and to protect civilians, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. President, we value the consultations convened by UNSMIL with representatives of civil society. women-led organizations and youth organizations on the future of the political process. We wish to point to capacity building efforts in the fields of mediation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding organized by UNSMIL and UN Women. We encourage the incorporation of these priorities together with the recommendations of the structured dialogue into the follow-up of the political process. Moreover, elsewhere, guaranteeing political stability demands the full provision of public services and demands guaranteeing the transparent management and responsible management of state resources, so that related dividends ultimately translate into improved living conditions for the Libyan people. President, we reiterate our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya. we support the efforts of the United Nations and an effective renewal of unsm's mandate one which will make it possible to continue supporting an inclusive political process at the heart of these Endeavors must be human beings people their aspirations for peace security their trust in institutions and the possibility of building a future with dignity and hope thank you.

Thank the representative of Panama for the statement I now give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, Madam President. I would first of all like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hannah Tite, for her briefing. You can rely on our support in your efforts and the efforts of UNSMIL too, through your systematic contacts with all Libyan political actors to help build this lasting political solution in Libya that we all aspire to. I also welcome the presence of the representative of Libya. Madam President, a political solution that is led by and for Libyans is within reach, provided that the means to do so are made available. France, together with its partners, welcomed the agreement signed between the Libyan partners on 30 August in Tripoli on the preliminary stages of the United Nations roadmap. We welcome the adoption of this agreement by the House of Representatives. This is a decisive step towards achieving the unification of institutions and the organization of presidential and parliamentary elections. France calls upon all Libyan actors to implement it without delay. The status quo cannot be an option. The formation of a unified executive is now the priority. The Libyan people is clearly asking for this. Secondly, only military reunification can allow Libya to recover its full sovereignty and to address security risks. Recent attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. In the south of the country, on the border with Niger, Chad and Sudan, insecurity remains alarming. France recalls its constant support for the reunification of the army and the security services, which is essential in order to guarantee Libya's stability and sovereignty. We encourage the organization of new joint military exercises, combining the forces of west and east, to strengthen the current momentum. It is also urgent to accelerate the withdrawal of foreign forces, combatants, and mercenaries present in Libya, in line with what Libya wants. 3. The rapid deterioration of the economic situation in Libya must receive the Council's full attention. As the SRSG indicated, recent shortages of electricity, water and oil illustrate the continued deterioration of public services at the expense of the Libyan people. At the same time, criminal networks are profiting from illicit trafficking. The better distribution of Libya's natural riches and heightened accountability in the area of public finances are the keys to shared prosperity. We call for the full implementation of the agreement on the unified budget framework. Only a political solution through the reunification of institutions will guarantee the lasting economic stability of Libya. Finally, it is essential that the human rights situation in Libya improve. The recent resumption of executions is extremely worrying. France recalls its position in favour of the universal abolition of the death penalty. We also call upon all Libyan parties to respect the fundamental rights of Libyan nationals and migrants. Madame President, France recalls its unflinching support for the unity, stability and sovereignty of Libya. the Libyan population continues to call for an inclusive political solution. And allow me to repeat this, this is within reach thanks to the decisions taken recently by Libyan officials with the support of UNSMIL. Let us act together to support and rally efforts to that end. Thank you.

I thank the representative of France for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China.

Present. I thank SSG Taylor for her briefing and support her work, and welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today's meeting. Lately, with the support of the UN and other international partners, Libya has registered progress in political dialogue and maintained overall security. However, to truly end divisions and complete its transition and achieve lasting peace and stability, Libya has many challenges to overcome. The international community should continue to give its coordinated and consistent support. I'd like to make three points. First, there's an urgent need to address the political deadlock. Recently, UNSMIL facilitated an agreement through 4+4, smaller convening, marking significant progress in implementing political roadmap. China hopes that agreement can help unify Libya's state institutions and the later groundwork for national elections and a complete political transition. The effect of the agreement on the ground depends on whether it can garner broad support from Libyan actors. Regarding the remaining differences, must take an inclusive and open approach to strengthen communication with relevant parties and encourage them to demonstrate political will so that these differences won't give rise to new impasse or new contentions. The international community must support a Libyan political process on major issues such as establishing unified executive authority and unifying state institutions. It must respect the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle. and encourage major political forces to look at a big picture and work with each other to deepen consensus, and must avoid imposing external solutions. Second, every effort is needed to maintain overall stability. Libya's security situation is closely linked to its political process. Any new armed conflict could undermine the hard-won mutual trust and lay waste to political efforts. Recently, western Libya saw a series of attacks on energy facilities, and the resulting tension is a cause of concern. The relevant actors should cease attacks and refrain from any action that could make the situation worse. The unification of military and security institutions is crucial to a lasting ceasefire. It's also an important condition for the smooth conduct of elections and transfer of power. We support the Western and Eastern sides in strengthening dialogue, building mutual trust, and accelerating this process. The international community should, on the basis respecting its sovereignty and ownership, provide greater support to Libya in strengthening border management, combating transnational criminal networks, and curbing the illicit flow of weapons. Third, economic governance and people's livelihood have to be improved. At present, while Libya's oil exports are largely stable, oil smuggling remains rampant, and fiscal spending lacks unified management. The international community should call on Libyan parties to fully implement the unified budgetary framework, enhance fiscal transparency and independent oversight, and redouble efforts to support Libya in combating oil smuggling and ensure that its oil revenues are used for national development and people's well-being. Libya has recently experienced shortages of electricity, water, and fuel. International partners should, in response to the country's actual needs, Support to Libyan authorities' efforts to improve public service and advance development and reconstruction to bolster people's confidence in national unity, stability, and development. President, UNSMIL's mandate is up for renewal soon. The Council should continue to uphold the UN's central role in advancing Libya's political process. Support the SRSG and UNSMIL in their ongoing efforts to facilitate political dialogue, promote stability, and strengthen governance. support their quality and efficiency drive and optimize the mission's mandate in light of the latest development to better support to the country's political transition, development, and stability. As a good friend of Libya, China stands ready to work with all partners in making great efforts to help Libya become a country of lasting peace and stability where people thrive at an early date. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Hana Tetter for her detailed briefing. And I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in this meeting. Latvia reiterates its strong support to the SRSG and her team for their continued efforts to advance the implementation of the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap towards credible elections and stability in Libya. And we wish to underline that UNSMIL's good offices role in advancing the political process, facilitating dialogue among Libyan stakeholders, and supporting the unification of state institutions. We welcome the agreement reached at the end of August and signed by the parties of the smaller convenings, and consider it as a positive development in the political process and an important step in advancing Libya towards national elections and ending the transition period. We positively note the decision by the House of Representatives endorsing the smaller convenings agreement. and regret the lack of political acceptance by the High Council of State and the given timeline. We urge all relevant stakeholders, including both parties, to engage constructively and demonstrate the necessary flexibility and political will to achieve a democratic, stable, and peaceful and secure Libya with legitimate and unified state institutions. Further progress will only be possible when the interest and aspirations of Libyan people is put before immediate political and personal benefits. And we encourage UNSMIL to continue its work with civil society and stakeholders in order to reach broader public support to its efforts and promote greater inclusivity. A major hurdle for unification is the divided judiciary system. It not only has implications for the prospects of national unity, but also undermines public trust in state institutions, and we encourage further work towards reestablishing a single constitutional jurisdiction. In the light of economic instability, lack of transparency, and the daily struggles of Libyans to receive public services, we call for tangible progress to implement a coordinated public expenditure and development investment to implement the agreement of the unified budget. Madam President, on the security landscape, unfortunately, we see continued armed clashes in western Libya, drone attacks on critical infrastructure, continued presence of armed groups, migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, and blockade of oil facilities. All of this demonstrates fragility of the current security environment in Libya. Continued competition among armed groups endangers civilians and causes them harm. It also pushes Libya further away from stability, peace and prosperity. So we call for the cessation of violence, accountability for those responsible for attacks, forced disappearances and disturbances, and using every avenue to continue the unification of Libya's military and security institutions. Moreover, the human rights situation remains deeply worrying, and we express our concern over the execution of more than 30 individuals in eastern Libya in recent months. We call on the authorities to uphold Libya's obligations under national and international law. Latvia will continue to advocate for UNSMIL's efforts to facilitate full, equal and meaningful participation of Libyan women in leadership, decision-making and all other aspects of the political process. and we urge all parties to implement the relevant resolutions on women, peace and security agenda and to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. In conclusion, Madam President, we reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and unity of Libya. Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political process facilitated by the UN, leading to safe, credible, and democratic elections is the only path towards peaceful, dignified, and prosperous future for the Libyan people. And as we approach negotiations on the renewal of UNSMIL mandate, we will engage constructively and reiterate its strong support for the mission's mandate. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Madam President, at the outset, please allow me to thank Madam Hana Tete, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her valuable briefing. I welcome the participation of the permanent representative of the sisterly state of Libya, Ambassador Tahir Sunni. We renew our full support for UNSMIL and the SRSG in advancing an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process We urge all Libyan parties to engage seriously, constructively and cooperatively in the UN-facilitated process. This will pave the way for the conduct of elections and the unification of state institutions. I would like to note the following: First. We welcome the intra-Libyan agreement as part of the smaller convening 4+4 mechanism on 30 August 2026 on reconstituting the board of the High National Elections Commission and amending the electoral framework to hold parliamentary and presidential elections within a period not exceeding two years. For us, This positive breakthrough has revived political momentum and offers an opportunity to achieve tangible progress. This opportunity must be seized and understandings must be translated into practical measures. The legal and procedural requirements must be completed in accordance with the agreed mechanism. In this context, The House of Representatives endorsement of the agreement is an important step forward. It's important to build on the progress achieved to hold elections, unify state institutions, and avert a new political deadlock. Second, the Libyan people's trust in their institutions is key for them to shape their common future. To preserve this trust, efforts must be exerted to safeguard the unity and independence of the judiciary and the autonomy and impartiality of the High National Elections Commission. The two institutions must continue to serve all Libyans away from political wrangling. We recall the Security Council's call in its 7 September statement for additional measures to promote the implementation of the Unified Agreement framework of 11 April 2026. Third, in conclusion, addressing national issues requires a serious political will, responsible cooperation, and readiness to make concessions to uphold national interests. We underscore the important role of the international community in assisting Libya, turning opportunities into tangible reality. We renew our support for the UN's vital role in facilitating an inclusive, Libyan-owned, Libyan-led political process. Libya's sovereignty independence, territorial integrity and national unity must be respected without any external interference in its internal affairs. The Libyans must have full control over their decisions and must determine their future by their own free will. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Madam President. And let me also thank Special Representative Tette for her briefing. And I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to this meeting. Madam President, Denmark welcomes the agreement of the Libyan parties within the small convening signed on August 30th. The agreement marks an important step towards advancing Libya's political process. We thank the SRSG and UNSMIL for the facilitation efforts which made this agreement possible. And we reiterate our strong support to Special Representative Tete and thank her for her leadership. We encourage Libya's political leaders to end the transitional phase and move forward with implementing the provisions of the agreement. We further call on them to take steps towards the organization of national elections, which meets the aspirations of all Libyans for stability and prosperity under unified and legitimate institutions. Madam President, The overall security situation in Libya remains fragile, and continued tensions risk undermining hard-won political progress. Armed clashes in different parts of the country, drone attacks on critical infrastructure, and interference with oil facilities underscore the need to restore and protect stability in Libya. Denmark calls for the cessation of violence and progress towards the unification of military and security institutions through dialogue. This is essential to address any rising security threats and ensure stability. Protection of critical energy infrastructure from political and security disputes is also vital. Madam President, Denmark is deeply concerned that more than 50 individuals have been executed in eastern Libya since August. As mentioned by SOSG Zetter, These executions mark the end of a de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Libya that has been observed for 15 years. This resumption raises serious human rights concerns at a time when strengthening public confidence in state institutions, the rule of law, and national reconciliation remains critical. We call on the Libyan authorities to halt all further executions. and further urge Libya to establish an official moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition of the death penalty. Madam President, in closing, Denmark remains committed to supporting the Libyan-led and the Libyan-owned political process facilitated by UNSMIL. This is the key to break the political deadlock and create the conditions for holding a fair, transparent and inclusive national elections in line with the aspirations of the people of Libya. In this vein, We look forward to the renewal of UNSMIL's mandate later this month. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank the President for convening this meeting and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Hanne Tvedt, for her briefing as well. Colombia reiterates its support to the work of the UNSMIL and recognizes the progress made in implementing the roadmap. In particular, my country welcomes the efforts aimed at overcoming the obstacles that have for years now prevented the progress towards the holding of national elections in the country. In this regard, The agreement reached on 30 August between the representatives of the Government of National Unity, the General Command of the Libyan National Army, the High Council of State and the House of Representatives constitutes significant progress towards overcoming some of the main obstacles to the electoral process, particularly the reconstitution of the High National Elections Commission, which is structurally important for recovering the constitutional order in the country, and the necessary amendments to the legal and constitutional frameworks that follows. This understanding provides an opportunity to move forward towards the holding of national elections, and the unification of state institutions. Colombia, therefore, calls on Libyan actors to seize the current political momentum and advance the implementation of this agreement within the framework of UNSMIL roadmap. A solution to the country's prolonged institutional fragmentation requires the commitment of Libyan actors themselves. At the same time, Colombia values international efforts that help create conditions conducive to progress in a manner complementary to the United Nations facilitated process. In this context, our country recognizes the efforts of the United States to facilitate dialogue and promote the unification of Libyan institutions. In this regard, further, Colombia calls for progress in implementing a unified national budget and urges for strengthening transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources for the benefit of the entire Libyan population. To conclude, Colombia condemns the drone attacks reported last August that affected all infrastructure in Zawiya, west of Tripoli, as well as the incidents reported in September, when an armed group shut down a valve on oil pipeline carrying crude oil from Sahara Field to Zawiya, reducing oil production. These incidents underscore the risk that attacks and other actions targeting energy infrastructure posed to the country's stability and economy. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Colombia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Special Representative Tatei, for your briefing today. The United States welcomes the historic August 30th agreement in Tripoli, facilitated by UNSMIL, to hold national elections under a unified executive. In parallel, the United States has pursued sustained hands-on diplomacy to support Libyan-led initiatives to overcome political divisions and unify Libya's political, economic, and military institutions. This engagement has produced tangible results, including Libya's first unified national budget in 13 years, and the joint FLITLOC 2026 exercises, bringing East and West Libyan forces together under AFRICOM leadership. Our efforts remain fully complementary to UNZML's roadmap, and both tracks share the same goal: a unified executive and a credible path towards national elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people. It is imperative that Libyans move beyond political rivalry and instead faithfully implement the 4+4 Agreement. We note the House of Representatives' selection of new leadership on October 6. We encourage Speaker Abdunabi to work constructively with UNSMIL and finalize the electoral reform laws without delay. We are concerned by the High Council of State's political maneuver to disrupt progress towards elections by rejecting the 4+4 Agreement and we call upon the body to uphold its commitment to the aforementioned agreement. The UN Security Council has made it clear many times, and it bears repeating now, individuals or entities who obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition, including elections, may be designated under Security Council sanctions and held accountable. We remain deeply concerned by the recent events, such as drone strikes on energy infrastructure and resulting blackouts, water service disruptions, and protests across Tripoli, Zawiyah, and Misrata. We are similarly troubled by the September blockade of the Sharara-Zawiyah pipeline, which cost the Libyan people nearly $95 million in lost oil revenue. We note UNSMIL's reminder that continued attacks on energy infrastructure risk triggering sanctions, and we urge restraint from all parties. Vital energy facilities benefit all the people of Libya, and they must not be targeted. This recent instability highlights that the status quo is unsustainable. and underscores the need for Libyan leaders to move swiftly to implement their plans for a unified executive and a path to elections, as outlined in the 4+4 agreement. Again, let's be clear, this Council and the international community must hold persons that obstruct or undermine progress towards elections in Libya to account, including by subjecting them to sanctions. Sustained U.S. engagement, alongside UNSMIL's continued efforts, offer a clear path to translate recent progress into lasting peace and unity. We look forward to working with the Council to renew the mandate of UNSMIL while keeping the text focused and ensuring a responsible stewardship of UN resources. Thank you.

Representative of the United States for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Greece. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Tete, for her comprehensive briefing and for her continued efforts to advance the political process in Libya. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today's meeting. Greece attaches great importance to Libya's stability, security, and prosperity, and remains committed to supporting the Libyan people in their efforts to overcome political divisions and strengthen unified national institutions. A stable and sovereign Libya is essential not only for its people, but also for peace and security in our wider region. Recent political developments, including those concerning the leadership of the House of Representatives, may provide an opportunity to advance the UN-facilitated political roadmap towards unified national institutions and elections through constructive engagement by all Libyan stakeholders. In this regard, we welcome the agreement reached by the smaller convening on the 30th of August as an important step towards addressing outstanding electoral arrangements and advancing the political process. Its effective implementation is now essential. We call on all relevant institutions to resolve remaining differences through dialogue and ensure that the necessary legal and institutional steps are completed. The objective must remain the creation of the conditions for free, fair, transparent, inclusive, and credible presidential and parliamentary elections, bringing an end to Libya's prolonged transitional period. The United Nations-led process remains the most credible framework for achieving this objective. As the Security Council considers the renewal of UNSMIR's mandate, we reiterate our strong support for the mission and the Special Representative's efforts to facilitate a genuinely Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. The continued engagement of remains essential to sustaining momentum, bridging differences among Libyan stakeholders, and supporting progress towards elections and unified institutions. We also welcome efforts to translate the recommendations of the structured dialogue into concrete action and broader national consensus. Political progress must be accompanied by institutional and economic reunification. We welcome steps towards implementing a unified national budget and encourage continued efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective management of Libya's national resources. We also welcome cooperation between Libyan security institutions across the country Recent initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination between Eastern and Western security actors are encouraging and should contribute to the longer term establishment of unified, effective, and accountable national security institutions. At the same time, recent violence, including clashes in Zawiya area and attacks affecting critical infrastructure, underscores the fragility of the security environment. The protection of civilians and vital national infrastructure must remain a priority. We further stress the need for tangible progress towards the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from Libya in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity must be fully respected, and external interference must cease. We reiterate that Libya's relations with its neighbors must be guided by good neighborly relations and full respect for international law, including the law of the sea. Migration and refugee movements remain a major regional concern. Greece will continue to engage constructively with Libya and international partners to combat trafficking and smuggling and address irregular migration, while ensuring full respect for international law and the rights and dignity for migrants and refugees. We look forward to the effective and consistent implementation of the implementation assistance notice concerning paragraph 14 of resolution 2769, which should provide greater legal clarity, facilitate the proper administration and reinvestment of eligible Libyan Investment Authority funds, help address instances of overcompliance, and fully preserve the integrity of the sanctions regime. In conclusion, Libya has an opportunity to translate recent political understandings into concrete progress. This requires sustained political will, compromise, inclusive dialogue, and Libyan ownership, with the United Nations playing its central facilitating role. Greece will continue to support a sovereign, unified, and stable Libya, free from external interference, with effective national institutions exercising authority throughout its territory, and contributing to peace, security, and prosperity across our shared Mediterranean region. I thank you. I resume my functions as President of the Council. And now I give the floor to the representative of Libya.

Madam President, at the outset, I would like to congratulate you and Greece on presiding over the Security Council this month. I wish you all the success. We thank Ms. Tete for her briefing. We took note of it. We reaffirm that these meetings should always be coupled with a genuine will to break the political stalemate and move towards tangible measures that could achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people towards sovereignty and stability. Excellencies, when we speak about the political track and the outcomes, It is important to go back in time to describe what happened and to frame them. Since the unified financial agreement that started almost one year ago, which was based on direct negotiations, it led or its implementation led to tangible outcomes that were reflected in the different statements of Libya's central bank and Ministry of Finance these statements showed a big discrepancy between the revenue and spending that is estimated at 24 billion million do billion dollar dinars on adopted the same mechanism by establishing the small convening 4+4. This track led to quick political understandings on issues related to elections, such as presidential and parliamentary election resolutions and the appointment of the president of the High National Elections Commission. What was achieved so far could be a pillar that we can build on to address the outstanding issues, including what was really started in this track by addressing the legislative and the division in it. addition to unifying the legislature and promoting its independence. This is a key precondition to provide the necessary legal, institutional and constitutional framework to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. We reaffirm that reaching this legal and constitutional understanding is not an objective in and of itself, but it is rather the only tool that will allow the Libyan people to practice their right to elect their representatives and form their institutions. No political track could be legal unless it is really coming from the people. Excellencies, despite all of this and the positive steps supporting the elections, We see main questions that should be asked here and were asked by a number of political officials and institutions, and I would like to relay them to you today as they were asked in full transparency. They are awaiting responses to these questions. They are asking, how does UNSMIL see the response to the reservations and observations of a number of political institutions and forces to its mechanism and how it is dealing with the political track and the fact that they are not participating in it? And what policy is the OMSML adopting to improve these mechanisms and ensure further participation to build on the small dialogue and ensure the success of the political process and national dialogue. There's an example of this observation and reservation when the High Council State in an official session rejected the methodology of the 4+4. They mentioned that it is important to review how much it is institutionally and politically accepted before building on its outcomes. They said that certain amendments, if necessary, should be done in consultation with these institutions and others. This would be the best way to move forward on this track. And this should be supported and adopted through the necessary constitutional frameworks. They are warning against any parallel tracks that lack national consensus, because this could further divide institutions instead of unifying them. It is very important to ensure that representation mechanisms emanate from a legal process. We have seen the repercussions of a possible division because certain institutions remained unified for years. They are also asking and warning of the need for UNSMIL to remain a mediator and avoid any steps that could show it as being with one party against the other. It is important to protect independent institutions because anything else could further thwart state institutions, their stability, and the necessary democratic path. This also raises questions, including about the applicability of the outcomes and how much they can address the deficiencies. These observations concluded that they request the Secretary General to provide an independent assessment of UNSMIL based on transparent measures. These are the questions and we are relaying them to you. How will you address these divergences to ensure the participation by all parties and ensure the success of what was achieved so far through the 4+4? Ladies and gentlemen, we reaffirm the need to respect all national initiatives and dialogues that address the of Libyans, which could possibly lead towards a binding and clear elections, not a new transitional period. This should lead to credible and free elections that could be implemented. We also welcome all international constructive efforts that support dialogue and national consensus that could end the division, provided it is Libyan-owned and and it complements the UNSMIL framework as well as the resolutions of this very Council. Ladies and gentlemen, what happened in the west of the country including attacks on vital oil and energy infrastructure, where drones were used, reminds us that the lack of a political solution and the fact that there are a number of leaderships puts the infrastructure under threat. We strongly condemn the deliberate targeting of all civilian infrastructures, no matter the reason and whoever the perpetrator. As you have seen, The government security forces revealed who launched this despicable attack. They investigated the perpetrators to ensure that due process is done and the perpetrators are held accountable. We reaffirm that we will not allow the main source of revenue to come under tension or political pressure. We stress that oil is not a bargaining chip. It is not for any party or group to own it. It is a national wealth that is owned by all Libyans. We call for holding accountable all those who undermine the production or ensure the smuggling of oil or take its revenues without any selectivity, whether they are individual states or groups. We will be following all international and national groups that take advantage of these crimes. We should be -- they should be held accountable without any discrimination. We reaffirm that the Libyan-owned political process should come to fruition. Libyans are attached to their sovereign right to own this process. The international interference in Libyan affairs has become broad. This is why, and as we have said previously, what we require today is for the international community to support national ownership and not to substitute it. It should support Libyan institutions and not interfere in their affairs. Libyan ownership should be implemented on the ground. And I would like to reassure you that, despite all challenges, I reaffirm that Libya is making steps towards recovery. It is going back to its regional and international environment. And we look forward to a partnership with all partners built on mutual respect, built on respect of national sovereignty. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Libya for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting is adjourned.