The US is reviewing a draft resolution submitted by Egypt and Libya to the United Nations Security Council to lift an arms embargo on Libya.
“The sanctions measures currently in place do not prohibit the Government of Libya from procuring arms. They merely require a sanctions committee approval for lethal items,” US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a press briefing.
“Given the instability on the ground, this exemption request provides a measure of oversight to ensure arms are safely and securely delivered to their intended users in Libya.”
“We have supported, continue to support the UN approval process currently in place for Libya. It permits transfers necessary to support the Libyan Government while allowing the Security Council to seek guard against the high risk that weapons may be diverted to non-state actors. That continues to be our position. We will be engaged with our council colleagues and certainly will be discussing with them and with our partners around the world this Security Council proposal,” she added.