UN Security Council: explanation of vote on the renewal of UNSMIL's mandate
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward in the Security Council on the renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate, 30 September 2021.
Libya is at a critical point and this Council has an important role to play.
We must support the Libyan people as they look ahead to a more stable future including through the elections planned for 24 December. It is essential that the elections take place on time and are credible and inclusive. The UN Special Envoy and his team have a vital role in support.
We must also insist on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. This includes the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries - without qualification and without delay.
We welcome the independent strategic review of UNSMIL and we look forward to seeing the implementation of its recommendations including a return to an SRSG based in Tripoli.
As penholder we worked hard to find a text that all Council members could support for the renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate. In the last two weeks we have engaged intensively to forge consensus and find a way forward.
It is clear that there is a high degree of consensus and I would like to thank those Council members that have engaged constructively and shown flexibility throughout these difficult negotiations. In light of this, it is regrettable that we were unable to secure the support of all Council members for our compromise text.
We will continue to engage all Council members on a substantive renewal of the mandate ahead of the 31 January deadline guided by this Council’s ultimate responsibility to support the future security and stability of Libya.