UNSC urges Libyans to support democratic transition in their country,refrain from violence

The Security Council Monday called on all Libyan parties to support the democratic transition and to engage in political dialogue and refrain from violence and actions that challenge the country's stability. In a presidential statement read out during an open meeting by Council President, France, the Council reiterated its support to the Libyan people, and encouraged their continued and firm commitment to the consolidation of democracy and the establishment of a stable and prosperous state based on national reconciliation, justice, respect for human rights and rule of law. The Council welcomed the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and its Head Tarek Mitri to facilitate a meaningful Libyan-led national dialogue in Libya and strongly encouraged further steps forward in this regard. Mitri briefed the Council last week on the situation in Libya. The statement was in response to his briefing. The Council strongly condemned the killing of unarmed protestors in Tripoli on November 15 and emphasized that all parties must reject violence against civilians and respect the right of all Libyans to peaceful assembly. While taking note of the withdrawal of some armed groups from Tripoli as a "positive development," The Council called for urgent progress towards an inclusive national approach to demobilization and reintegration into civilian life or integration into state military and security institutions. The Council also expressed its concern at the use of force by armed groups against state institutions, including the illegal seizure of energy facilities and smuggling of natural resources, urging the transfer of control of all facilities back to the proper authorities, and encouraging further efforts by Tripoli to resolve peacefully the disruptions of Libya's energy exports. It expressed its concern at the threat posed by unsecured arms and ammunition in Libya and their proliferation, which poses a "risk to stability, including through transfer to terrorist and extremist groups," and called on the Libyan government to take concrete measures to control the stockpiles by ensuring proper management and safe storage, and through strengthening border security.