Thank you, Madam President.
Today’s vote is a sub-optimal outcome for the Libyan people, and a poor reflection on this Council. UNSMIL plays an essential role in supporting the political process, assisting with the unification of institutions, and, importantly, strengthening the capabilities of the High National Electoral Commission. UNSMIL also plays an essential role in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, notably through the deployment in support of the Libyan-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
The United States entered negotiations on a comprehensive mandate renewal in good faith, committed to reaching agreement on a mandate that continues the important work of UNSMIL.
We thank the UK, as the penholder, for demonstrating a clear willingness to work with this Council on language that addressed our respective views. Unfortunately, this Council was not able to reach agreement on the balanced and strong mandate text provided by the UK.
We now must work with the technical rollover mandate we have to forge a way forward for Libyan-owned and led elections. This includes providing our full support for the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser to Libya Stephanie Williams. We call on the members of this Council and Libya’s neighbors to engage constructively with Special Adviser Williams and support her efforts.
Thank you, Madam President.
