UNSC extends sanctions against parties threatening Libya’s stability
The Council also calls for immediate ceasefire in Libya
The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday approved a resolution calling for immediate cease-fire in Libya and extending sanctions against parties threatening Libya’s stability.
The 15-nation council met to discuss Libya days after its parliament, which was replaced in an election in June, reconvened and chose an Islamist-backed deputy as the new prime minister. That left the country with two rival leaders and assemblies, each backed by armed factions.
“The situation in Libya is complicated,” Libya's United Nations Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi told the council.
“Yet the situation since the 13th of July has become even more complicated and the situation might unravel into a full-blown civil war if we're not very careful and wise in our actions.”
British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, the current council president, says the council’s Libya sanctions committee will meet early next week to decide which individuals will be sanctioned, the Associated Press reported.
The U.N. special envoy to Libya, Tarek Mitri, told the council that the battles in Libya are “unprecedented in their gravity and very alarming.”
Mitri said the number of people displaced is estimated to be over 100,000, with at least another 150,000 seeking refuge abroad.
“There is a general deterioration of living conditions [in Libya]. Food, fuel, water and electricity are in short supply. The departure of foreign medical staff and shortages in medical supplies has rendered the plight of civilians more critical,” said Mr. Mitri.
Libya's government has called for a peacekeeping force to be deployed to help disarm militant groups and restore stability. But council diplomats say the situation is too volatile.
-
Interview with U.S. ambassador to Libya
Reports -
PANORAMA: Ways of preventing Libya chaos
News Bulletins -
100 African migrants drown off Libyan coast
At least 100 African migrants trying to reach Europe have drowned off the coast near the capital, Tripoli, an official with Libya's coast guard says Middle East -
Libyan Dawn: Map of allies and enemies
Islamist parties’ progress in Tripoli necessitates action from regional powers - the Arab League, Egypt and Algeria - to save Libya from chaos Features -
Libya torn between two parliaments
Libya's neighbors agreed not to intervene in Libyan affairs to end the chaos there Middle East -
Unidentified war planes attack Libyan capital
Libya’s Islamist militias said Sunday they have consolidated their hold on Tripoli and its international airport Middle East -
Libya withdraws as host of 2017 African Cup
Africa’s football body will now rush to choose a new host with applications only open until the end of September Sports -
Second tanker finishes loading oil at Libya’s biggest export port
Oil exports rose during the past few weeks as major Libyan ports restarted operations Energy -
170 migrants feared lost at sea off Libya: coastguard
The boat foundered off the Guarakouzi area, 60 kilometers east of Tripoli Middle East -
Tunisia, Egypt close air routes to and from Libya
Libya’s news agency said Cairo airport authorities cancelled flights from and to the neighboring country for security reasons Africa