UNSMIL hails the reopening of the coastal road as a step in the path to peace and stability

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hailed the Coastal Road’s formal opening and commended the Libyan people, national and municipal authorities, institutions, and stakeholders engaged, particularly the role of the 5+5 JMC in this historic accomplishment.

The Mission expressed gratitude to the Presidency Council and the Government of National Unity, headed by the Prime Minister, for their assistance in this respect. Ján Kubi, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of UNSMIL, congratulated Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabeiba for releasing security forces wages.

Special Envoy Kubi praised the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and its subcommittees for their continuing efforts and accomplishments in building the groundwork for long-term peace in Libya.

According to the Special Envoy, the opening of the Coastal Road is another step toward improving the country’s peace, security, and stability, as well as the unity of its institutions.

The 5+5 JMC’s outstanding performance is also a signal to the country’s leaders to put aside their differences and work together to execute the Roadmap and conduct elections on December 24, 2021.

“In addition to other significant confidence-building measures achieved thus far, such as the resumption of flights and the exchange of detainees, the opening of the Coastal Road is a critical step to further the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement of 23 October 2020 and, equally importantly, to allow the free movement of commerce, humanitarian aid, and Libyans,” said the Special Envoy for Libya.

“The next important step in the execution of the Ceasefire Agreement is to begin the evacuation of all mercenaries, foreign fighters, and troops from Libya without delay, beginning with the withdrawal of the first groups of foreign mercenaries and fighters from both sides,” he continued.

In a phone discussion with the Special Envoy prior to the opening of the Coastal Road, the JMC recognized the important role of the Special Envoy and UNSMIL in supporting the JMC’s work and asked the Special Envoy’s ongoing help in implementing the Ceasefire Agreement.

The JMC requested that the Mission convene a conference with international parties to discuss a strategy for the immediate departure of mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign troops from Libya. The JMC further asked that UN Ceasefire monitors be deployed as soon as possible in support of the Libyan-led Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism.

The Special Envoy reiterated the UN’s commitment to and ongoing support for the JMC’s work, as well as its support for the Commission’s demands. Special Envoy Kubi informed the JMC that he would engage with all necessary national and international parties to ensure that the Ceasefire Agreement is fully implemented.

In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2570 of 16 April 2021 and the Ceasefire Agreement, the Mission renewed its call to all concerned national and international parties to expedite the Ceasefire Agreement’s implementation and to support the 5+5 Joint Military Commission’s exemplary efforts.