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)
TT
20

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.”



Maritime Security Firms Launch Mission to Save Crew of Greek Vessel Hit by Houthis

The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen near Cathlamet, Oregon, July 23, 2019. (Mike Cullom via AP)
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen near Cathlamet, Oregon, July 23, 2019. (Mike Cullom via AP)
TT
20

Maritime Security Firms Launch Mission to Save Crew of Greek Vessel Hit by Houthis

The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen near Cathlamet, Oregon, July 23, 2019. (Mike Cullom via AP)
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen near Cathlamet, Oregon, July 23, 2019. (Mike Cullom via AP)

Maritime security firms launched a mission on Wednesday to evacuate the crew of the Greek-operated Eternity C vessel hit by Houthi militants off Yemen two days ago, sources close to the mission told Reuters.

Eternity C, with 22 crew members - 21 Filipinos and one Russian - on board, was attacked with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from manned speed boats in the Red Sea on Monday, the second assault by the Houthis in a day after months of calm.

The attack killed three mariners and wounded two others, a European Union naval force said Tuesday. It follows the Iranian-backed Houthis attacking another vessel, the bulk carrier Magic Seas, on Sunday in the Red Sea that they said subsequently sank.

The assaults are the first Houthi attacks on shipping since late 2024 on the waterway that had begun to see more ships pass through in recent weeks.

The United Nations condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and called on the militias to comply with UN Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate halt to all attacks.

“We continue to be very worried and concerned about the escalation that we’re seeing,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.