21.08.2025 Denmark's statement for open briefing on UNSMIL and Libya

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

I would also like to thank SRSG Tetteh for her informative briefing as well as the 1970 Chair for his update. And I welcome the representative of Libya to our meeting today.

 

Mr. President,

 

Libya stands at a cross roads between finally moving beyond years of political deadlock, or continuing down a path of stalled transitional phases and ensuing instability.

 

Denmark’s position is clear: The Libyan population must be able to finally make their voices heard through the holding of long overdue national elections.

 

Mr. President, allow me to raise three points today.

First, we welcome the roadmap presented by SRSG Tetteh as a framework for the path towards presidential and parliamentary elections.

 

We thank UNSMIL for their efforts in presenting a roadmap based on thorough consultations with the Libyan public, stakeholders and leaders across the country.

What is needed now, is for Libyans to come together to support the implementation of the roadmap and ultimately seeing the Libyan democracy thrive. Civil society, youth and women must be an integral part of this process.

 

We strongly reject any intimidations aimed at hampering electoral processes.

 

As Libya takes steps in preparation for the holding of national elections, the suspension of elections operations in 11 municipalities in eastern Libya is a cause of concern.

 

We urge all key stakeholders to fully commit to the political process – at a local and national level.

 

Mr. President, my second point.

 

Progress on the political front remains crucial in light of the fragile security situation in Libya.

 

As reported by the Secretary-General, the 2020 ceasefire largely continues to hold. We also note that the recent truce in Tripoli is largely abided by.

 

However, de-escalation in Tripoli and other parts of the country is needed to prevent sparks of tension from reigniting into full-scale clashes, as we saw earlier this year.

 

Parallel to efforts to revive the political process, it is key that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission continue the efforts to strengthen the implementation of the ceasefire.

 

This also includes the full withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya.

 

Finally, Mr. President, my third point

 

The downwards trajectory of Libya’s economy is a cause of concern. With increasing deficits caused by unregulated parallel public spending and continued disagreement on the national budget, there is a real risk of a continued erosion of Libya’s state funds. Exploitation of public oil revenues exacerbates this trend.

 

Libya’s natural resources are vast and should benefit the Libyan public as a whole. 

 

We echo the Secretary-General’s call for economic transparency and strengthening of independent oversight mechanisms. We urge the parties to agree on a national budget and ensure responsible public spending in line with Libya’s long-term needs.

 

Mr. President, to conclude,

 

Libyans deserve a voice in choosing their future. They deserve responsible leaders who respect and empower them to fully exercise their rights. They deserve to benefit from their country’s wealth and to live in peace with one another with genuine prospects for a more stable and prosperous future.

 

We underline our full support for UNSMIL and SRSG Tetteh in their efforts to assist Libya and we reiterate our call for all parties to cooperate constructively to allow Libya to thrive.

 

I Thank you.