UN Security Council calls for world recognition for GNA, sever ties with east and west governments

The UN Security Council has reiterated its support for the Libyan national unity government and renewed its call on United Nations Member States to end official contact with parallel institutions that claim legitimate authority but are outside of the 17 December political agreement.

On Monday the Council members “welcomed the meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue on 10 March 2016, which reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the Libyan Political Agreement,” the 15-nation body said in a press statement.

Further, the Council reaffirmed that the national unity government, or the Government of National Accord (GNA), should be seated in the capital city of Tripoli, after measures have been taken to ensure adequate security, while encouraging the Presidency Council to work swiftly towards this end in the interests of the Libyan people.

The Council also reiterated their concern about the growing terrorist threat in that country, in particular from groups proclaiming allegiance to Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and groups affiliated with Al Qaeda, and called on GNA to urgently focus on combating this threat.

The Council renewed its support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Martin Kobler, and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in their tireless efforts behind this UN-facilitated, Libyan-led dialogue process.

The Council commended Libyan efforts to work towards implementation of a political settlement and emphasized the importance of continued inclusiveness and called on all Libyans to “unite wholeheartedly in a spirit of reconciliation.”

A press statement is a declaration to the media made by the Council’s President on behalf of all 15 Members.