New york: Libya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher El-Sonni, addressed the Security Council, highlighting the worsening issue of systematic oil smuggling in Libya. He emphasized that the Government of National Unity is actively working to dismantle armed groups operating outside state authority, ensuring they face justice.
According to Libyan News Agency, El-Sonni made these remarks during a Security Council session focused on a briefing from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding the situation in Libya. El-Sonni condemned the crimes of murder, torture, and enforced disappearance committed in recent years, asserting the government's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for a safer future for future generations.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its dedication to cooperation under Article (3/12), which involves expanding investigative powers and extending the mandate until the end of 2027. This cooperation aims to bolster human rights across Libya. El-Sonni stressed that extending cooperation until the end of 2027 enhances the Court's jurisdiction, while maintaining the Libyan national judiciary's original jurisdiction due to its capacity and willingness to activate judicial complementarity. He highlighted the Court's role in cooperation and evidence exchange when national procedures are infeasible or when pursuing wanted individuals is challenging.
He clarified that any illegal acts by state employees are individual actions and do not reflect state policies, with responsibility solely on the perpetrators. El-Sonni praised the Attorney General's Office for its efforts in the Tarhuna mass graves case, urging the court to pressure member states to extradite accused individuals.
El-Sonni warned that the smuggling of Libyan oil, representing a systematic plundering of national resources, finances activities destabilizing Libya. He called on the Security Council to consider the National Oil Corporation's observations on the Panel of Experts' report regarding oil smuggling, focusing on data verification, responsibility assignment, and export activity conclusions.
He reiterated the need for sanctions on those involved, dismantling criminal networks, and transitioning from monitoring to practical actions based on verified facts. This ensures accountability and prevents impunity using the Council's tools and mechanisms.
In conclusion, El-Sonni stated the Libyan people's aspiration for justice and the establishment of a state based on institutions and the rule of law. He urged support for these efforts, encouraging those unable to support to refrain from hindering progress.