LOC10:45
07:45 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- As the first anniversary of the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement is approaching, Libyans are rightly frustrated at the slow pace of progress, UN Envoy to Libya said.
The Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, Martin Kobler, stressed to the Security Council the need to tackle outstanding political questions, noting a path forward should consist of inclusive, peaceful dialogue, and never military escalation. "The only alternative to the Libyan Political Agreement is chaos," he said.
Kobler highlighted the advances against terrorism that have been made in both East and West, noting that the so-called Islamic State (IS) has shrunk from the entirety of Sirte to now just a few buildings.
Although they continue to be a threat, the days of the IS controlling territory in Libya are over, he affirmed.
In Benghazi, he said, the Libyan National Army continues to make progress, taking area after area.
He further noted that while the fight against terrorism produced results, the gains are not irreversible. The economic recovery of Sirte and Benghazi must therefore be a matter of priority.
He added that the issue of human rights and the rule of law, including the situation of migrants, must be more effectively and comprehensively addressed.
The UN official emphasized the importance of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) returning to Tripoli in a phased way once security questions are adequately addressed and mitigated.
Speaking on behalf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 concerning Libya, Ramlan Bin Ibrahim of Malaysia said that the Panel of Experts had reported unabated military activities by different actors in Benghazi and Derna and in the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Sirte.
In their 22nd report presented to the Council, the Panel had, among other things, noted a change in control over oil facilities, and had expressed concern about the continued human rights violations by various factions, in particular by IS, including mass killings, arbitrary arrests and kidnappings. (end)
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