I thank SRSG Bathily for his update on the recent developments in Libya.

We support his work and mediation efforts and strongly encourage him to maintain this focus and leadership.

I thank Ambassador Ishikane for his report.I would like to make the following brief points:

First, on the political situation.

Despite some promising developments, a frustrating long stalemate on the way ahead toward elections recalls what we have witnessed in Libya for many years.

It is hard to deny that multiple failed political transitions since 2012 have taken their toll on the Libyan people.

So many times, hope has surrendered to cynicism, eroding trust and blurring the perspective. The continued and increasingly complex internal divisions and external influences affecting the country threaten to undo progress and throw the country into another spiral of crisis and violence.

We take note of the work made by the Commission 6 + 6 which met again in Bounzika.

Libyan parties must define the legal basis necessary for holding the elections in 2023. It is crucial that the electoral laws meet the expectations of all political stakeholders through a broad political agreement to guarantee swift, free, fair, and transparent elections.

As we have reiterated many times before, time is of the essence. The status quo perpetuated through indefinite delays is not an option, nor is it sustainable. Obstructive manoeuvres just place an undue toll on the Libyan people and society, the economy and the restoration of democracy. They only maintain the country against the wall.

This is why, elections are a must, the starting point to restore legitimacy to Libyan institutions and charter a path towards stability. The efforts of SRSG in this respect deserve full support.

Second, the security track.

We acknowledge that the situation remains fragile and volatile. Despite the holding of the ceasefire and the sustained contacts between the East and West Chiefs of Staff – recent episodes of armed violence in both regions of the country testify to the urgency of unifying military and security institutions.

We welcome the meeting of the Security Working Group on 24 May, which was held for the first time in Tripoli, and we are confident that the Joint Military Commission 5+5 will soon resume its meetings.

Maintaining the cease-fire and agreements on productive confidence-building mechanisms are critical, but comprehensive security sector reform as well as disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and integration of the armed groups is also essential for the security throughout the country.

This becomes even more pressing given the serious deterioration of the security situation in the region. The alarming events in Sudan only reinforces the need to quickly find a sustainable solution in Libya. Weapons supply from Libya to Sudan, Mali, and other countries in the Sahel remains a serious concern. The arms embargo must be fully implemented, and therefore we commend the Security Council for the adoption of Resolution 2684, earlier this month.

Third, human rights and civil society:

Just a few months ago, the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya expressed deep concern over the country’s deteriorating human rights situation.

Attacks against human rights defenders, women rights activists, journalists, and civil society associations must stop. Civil society has a crucial role to play in building an atmosphere that is conducive to free and fair elections for Libyans to exercise their rights and choose a representative government to run the country.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by emphasising the centrality of a clear path towards elections.

We reiterate our call on all stakeholders to constructively engage with UNSMIL and break the current deadlock.

Libya’s actors and current rivals need to come together and agree on a political settlement for the future of the country. This is what Libya needs; this is what Libyans want. It should provide a framework for the division of power and national resources, promote reconciliation and redress grievances and injustices. None of this is impossible, but none of it will be achieved without concerted effort and genuine political will.

This long and arduous path starts with free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

I thank you.