Thank you President, and let me thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing and reiterate Albania’s support for his work and efforts.

I would also like to thank the Chair of the 1970 Sanctions Committee on Libya, for the report.

In December 2021, Libya was about to hold elections and chart its path to the future. It did not happen. Two years have passed and the deadlock of the the Libyan political process continues to delay the most important and the only way towards building a democratic future for the country, holding free, fair, inclusive, and transparent national elections.

The political future of Libya continues to remain in a long overdue stalemate, and the political leaders continue to disregard the urgent need to engage and act in good faith towards reaching a compromise that includes addressing the issues through a political settlement.

SRSG Bathily continues to explore new paths towards advancing the political process in Libya. We welcome and commend these efforts.

The recent invitation to the key Libyan institutional stakeholders to meet with the purpose to reaching a settlement on the political outstanding issues related to the implementation of the electoral process, is a step forward in the right direction.

We also take note of the Tripartite agreeing to joining the dialogue proposed by the SRSG. We call on them to show commitment to overcome the status quo through compromise and through bearing in mind the future of the Libyan people and end the political deadlock as soon as possible.

President,

It is important that the political dialogue, reconciliation efforts and the future elections are conducted in a context free from fear and arbitrary detentions and arrests. We share the concerns on the continuing decrease for civic space and of increased violations of human rights.

We also take note of the role of the African Union in supporting the reconciliation project led by Libyans and the outcomes of the Sabha meeting selecting Sirte as the location for the National Reconciliation Conference to be held on the 28 April 2024, which we hope to be a success for the achievement of a comprehensive and inclusive reconciliation of the Libyan people.

The political instability in Libya, has also impacted the security situation in the country. Despite the relative calm, Libya’s stabilization process remains a key priority, also because of its impact on the stability of North Africa and the Sahel.

We praise the work of “5+5” Joint Military Commission for the full and effective implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and relevant action plans. Every effort towards the unification of the Libyan army is a step towards national reconciliation and unity.

We also reiterate our call for the full withdrawal of all foreign mercenaries and forces from Libya.

In concluding Mr. President, Albania firmly believes that a UN mediated political solution based on an inclusive dialogue between the Libyans with the goal of holding the elections is the right path for a political solution in the country.

I thank you