Libya: Security Council calls meeting of political parties step towards peace

In a statement to the press, the 15-member body said it strongly supported efforts to address differences between parties through “peaceful and inclusive dialogue” and within the framework of a political process. The Council called on all sides to reject violence and turn to a political process.

Recalling its resolution 2174 (2014), adopted unanimously in late August, the Security Council said it was ready to use “targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against individuals or entities that threatened Libya’s peace and stability” or undermined its political transition.

Members also welcomed the agreement for the UN to facilitate another meeting following the Eid al-Adha holiday and strongly encouraged broad participation and progress towards achieving a peaceful solution in Libya.

The Security Council said it continue to follow closely developments in Libya and reaffirmed its strong commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

The North African nation has been embroiled in some of the worst fighting since the 2011 uprising that ousted former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and set the country on a transition to democracy.

In its resolution 2144 (2014), the Council tasked the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) with supporting government efforts to ensure the transition to democracy, promoting the rule of law, controlling unsecured arms and building governance capacity.