Libya

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, it gives me pleasure to extend to you my sincerest congratulations on your election to the presidency of the seventy-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, wishing you and your team success in the tasks entrusted to you. I also extend my thanks and appreciation to Mr. Dennis Francis for his distinguished leadership during the previous session, and to the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, for his continuous efforts to promote international security and stability, and his good offices in pursuit of the lofty goals of the United Nations and his role in advancing human rights.

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,

For more than a decade, Libya has endured successive transitional phases marred by numerous conflicts and unjustified wars among brothers, fueled by external interventions seeking to weaken the state, deepen division, and control its natural resources and its political and economic decision-making. This today calls for a serious pause to regain control, as the challenges before us remain great and complex, and we continue to seek consensual solutions, unify our ranks and our voice, bring the parties together at one table, and work toward finding a national solution.

However, the institutional division resulting from the systematic obstruction by some political parties, and the ensuing disputes over powers and jurisdictions, has led to a marked aggravation of the political and institutional crisis and has further complicated the political landscape—beginning with the creation of parallel bodies, through the freezing and abandonment of commitments to signed political agreements and relevant Security Council resolutions, and extending to the use of state resources as a tool of political pressure. Most recently, there was an attempt to tamper with the Libyan judiciary, which makes it our duty to shoulder the responsibility placed upon us and to intervene when it comes to the security and strength of the citizen.

Mr. President,

A comprehensive political solution, with its financial, economic, and security tracks, in addition to the national reconciliation track, is the only way to unify institutions and ensure stability leading to elections, renew the legitimacy of all institutions, and allow the Libyan people to determine their own destiny. In this context, we value the national and international efforts aimed at supporting dialogue among the Libyan parties, and we firmly believe that the Libyan people have the right to determine their own fate and choose who governs them and manages their affairs and their wealth. They must be given the opportunity to decide their future through the renewal of legitimacy and the restoration of their authority, which some parties seek to exclude. Libyans are best placed to determine their own destiny, and the people are the ultimate arbiter in choosing who represents them. Returning to them through fair referendums and holding comprehensive elections is the optimal solution to end any political deadlock.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The national reconciliation project sponsored by the Presidential Council is proceeding at a slow pace as a result of recent developments in the country and attempts by some political parties to obstruct it by all means. We reaffirm the importance of accelerating this track in order to establish and consolidate trust. In this regard, we commend the efforts of the African Union, and we call for the creation of a Libyan dialogue to achieve a national charter and a comprehensive reconciliation conference. We stress the necessity of the constructive participation of all parties in order to reach a peaceful settlement based on a Libyan-Libyan solution, far from external dictates and interventions, since lasting solutions cannot be reached without frank and serious dialogue among Libyans themselves, free of external interference, guaranteeing the unity of the country, its societal integrity, and its sovereignty.

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,

This month marks the first anniversary of the destruction of parts of the city of Derna and its surroundings due to Storm Daniel—a painful event that will never be forgotten, having left behind widespread destruction and heavy human and material losses. Despite the pain and grief, we also recall the unity and solidarity of the Libyans' efforts, which gave a living lesson on the Libyan people's ability to overcome their difficulties and crises if they decide to resolve their problems internally, without external interventions or dictates. We also renew our support for the sincere efforts made toward recovery, paving the way for reconstruction throughout the country.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing being committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples constitute a flagrant violation of international law. We uphold the principles of accountability and non-impunity, and in this regard we note Libya's joining South Africa in the case brought before the International Court of Justice against the Israeli entity concerning its grave violations of international laws, resolutions, and covenants, in order to strengthen accountability for the violations and genocide inflicted upon the Palestinian people. We also affirm that averting the specter of a regional war in the area requires addressing the situation in Gaza and halting the grave violations and assaults in Palestine. We affirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,

On regional and international issues, we stress the necessity of joining efforts to combat illegal migration and terrorism, as this issue represents a major challenge not only for Libya but for many countries, particularly African countries and countries of the region. Libya, being a transit country, bears a heavy burden in this regard. We believe that resolving this issue requires concerted efforts, with due regard to national legislation and humanitarian considerations, as well as the protection of migrants' rights.

Regarding terrorism, Libya has suffered greatly from this scourge, and succeeded in eliminating the Daesh organization thanks to the sacrifices of its sons and the efforts and sacrifices of the military institution, along with the support of the international community. We continue to work on strengthening internal security and protecting our borders through cooperation with the international community to establish security centers to coordinate efforts among the various national security forces and neighboring countries. Combating terrorism is not merely a military confrontation; it is a multifaceted phenomenon that requires the combined efforts of local and international actors and a comprehensive approach that addresses its various dimensions. Despite the importance of United Nations efforts in this regard, we see the necessity of developing a national mechanism to confront these challenges, free from negative interventions.

Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,

I say to the dear Libyan people: the time has come for us to close ranks, to build bridges of unity, and to make our solidarity the cornerstone of our homeland—this generous nation and its dear people who love life. I tell you that we will not enjoy our resources, our wealth, and our homeland as long as the seeds of strife and discord continue to grow among us. Our unity is the key to our stability, and it is the hope that will carry our children toward a better future.

I call upon you to cling to our national unity and to reject external interventions that aim to undermine our efforts. History bears witness to the greatness of this people, who have inspired nations and peoples throughout the ages, and who prove that, despite all the challenges they have endured, they always return stronger, more resilient, and more determined. Libyans do not forget those who stood by them in times of hardship, and we will remain true to our pledge, working to build a bright future worthy of the aspirations and hopes of our people and our nation, sparing no sacrifice in its pursuit.

Peace be upon you.