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UN Warns it Will Impose Sanctions on Those Obstructing Libyan Elections

The UN Security Council session held on Libya on November 24, 2021. (UNSMIL)
The UN Security Council session held on Libya on November 24, 2021. (UNSMIL)
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UN Warns it Will Impose Sanctions on Those Obstructing Libyan Elections

The UN Security Council session held on Libya on November 24, 2021. (UNSMIL)
The UN Security Council session held on Libya on November 24, 2021. (UNSMIL)

The Security Council on Wednesday warned that it would issue sanctions against those who obstruct Libya’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 24, renewing calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country without delay.

The 15-nation council issued a presidential statement following the briefing of Jan Kubis, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who has recently tendered his resignation.

“The Security Council recalls that individuals or entities who threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya or obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition, including by obstructing or undermining the elections, may be designated for its sanctions,” it said.

The Council also welcomed the Libya Stabilization Conference that convened on October 21 in Tripoli and expressed its support the elections as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) roadmap agreed in Tunis in November 2020 and Resolution 2570.

It voiced strong support for the important role played by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC).

“The Security Council stresses the importance of a peaceful transfer of power in Libya following the elections,” the presidential statement said.

The UN body recalled that free, fair and credible elections will allow the Libyan people to elect representative and unified institutions from among all Libyan political actors.

It also emphasized the importance of the implementation of the October 23, 2020 ceasefire agreement including through the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya without delay.

In its presidential statement, the Security Council also welcomed the Action Plan agreed by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in Geneva on October 8 and called on all relevant actors to facilitate its synchronized, phased, gradual and balanced implementation.

It underscored the importance of arrangements to “ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth.”

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Türkiye Denies Direct Talks with SDF, Demands Full Disarmament

Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
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Türkiye Denies Direct Talks with SDF, Demands Full Disarmament

Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)

Türkiye has denied holding any direct negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), asserting that no dialogue is possible unless the group dissolves itself and fully disarms.

Omer Celik, spokesperson and deputy chair of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), firmly rejected recent reports and statements suggesting contacts between Turkish authorities and the SDF.

“No official meetings have taken place,” Celik stated Thursday, following a high-level party meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

His comments came in response to a recent interview with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who claimed there had been direct contacts and expressed openness to meeting Erdogan. Without naming Abdi directly, Celik dismissed the notion that Türkiye had engaged with the SDF as though it were an independent entity. “It is unacceptable to frame the situation in that way,” he said.

Celik reiterated that any engagement would only be possible if the SDF disbands, lays down its arms, and ends its affiliation with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), which Ankara considers a terrorist organization. “If they disarm, then a meeting could be possible,” he added.

In recent days, several Western media outlets reported that US-mediated talks had taken place between Türkiye and the SDF. These reports claimed the discussions centered on reducing tensions, dissolving the SDF, and implementing a March agreement with the Syrian government that would see SDF fighters integrated into a new Syrian army and hand over ISIS-linked detainees and camps to Damascus.

While some reports hinted at a potential meeting between Abdi and either Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan or intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Fidan denied such plans. He confirmed that Türkiye is working with both Washington and Damascus to implement the SDF’s military integration.

Celik also acknowledged an agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government that would see the SDF hand over territory to state control. He stated that all PKK elements, especially those from the YPG (the SDF’s leading faction), must leave the country.

Referring to a May 12 PKK statement titled “Dissolution of the PKK and Disarmament,” Celik stressed that Erdogan had made it clear that all PKK-affiliated structures, including the SDF, must be dismantled and disarmed.

“This is not about opposing Kurdish rights,” Celik concluded. “President Erdogan told Assad years ago: Give Kurds their rights like any other citizens. But we will never allow a terrorist state on our southern border.”