New york: Libya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher Al-Sunni, declared that it is time for the Security Council to amend its stance on Libya. During his address to the UN Security Council, he highlighted the necessity for the Council to either provide genuine support for the Libyan people's aspirations to reclaim control over their future or lift the sanctions imposed on Libya under Chapter VII of the UN Charter fifteen years ago.
According to Libyan News Agency, Al-Sunni's remarks were made during a session focused on the latest developments in Libya, coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of the February 17 Revolution. He pointed out that Libya remains ensnared in a cycle of foreign intervention and proxy wars, with numerous initiatives and envoys, while its resources are exploited and assets remain frozen under the guise of sanctions. The core demand of the Libyan people, he noted, has consistently been for freedom, change, and a dignified life.
Al-Sunni underscored the necessity of transitioning from prolonged discussions to definitive and obligatory outcomes within a set timeframe, leading to practical and observable solutions. He emphasized the inclusion of all active political leaders and forces to ensure national ownership of the solution and genuine commitment from all parties involved.
He further stressed that any political process, including current dialogues, must lead to general elections following a clear timetable, avoiding repeated transitional phases. This process should be grounded in the Libyan Political Agreement, the outcomes of the Geneva process, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Al-Sunni suggested that international support for the electoral process could commence immediately through the establishment of joint national committees. These committees, comprised of relevant institutions across the country and operating under UN supervision, would address logistical and security issues to ensure the integrity and transparency of the elections.
The Libyan representative also highlighted the success of recent municipal elections as evidence of Libyans' capability to meet electoral obligations when the political will is present. He noted the growing popular demand for elections and indicated that some legislative parties are now showing flexibility regarding oversight mechanisms. This development enhances the prospects of reaching an agreement on a constitutional basis or conducting a referendum on the draft constitution, paving the way for the adoption of consensual electoral laws.