India shows concern over Libya’s political turmoil

United Nations, June 28

India at the UNSC briefing iterated that it is regrettable that there is still no agreement on the constitutional basis for holding elections in Libya, saying the priority right now is to ensure that elections are held at the earliest in a free, fair, inclusive and credible manner.

R Madhu Sudan, counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, on Monday said New Delhi observes with concern that the progress seen after the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement is not only in danger of coming to a halt, but there are also indications of a risk of backsliding in Libya.

“It is also regrettable that there is still no agreement on the constitutional basis for holding elections,” he said.

Madhu Sudan said, “We urge all parties concerned to strive to resolve all outstanding political issues peacefully, keeping the larger interests of the Libyan people in mind. We hope that all parties will work together to maintain peace and stability in the country.”

He further added that India notes that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, and President of the High Council of State, Khaled Al-Mishri, are scheduled to meet at the UN Office at Geneva on June 28-29 to discuss the draft constitutional framework for holding elections.

Madhu Sudan suggested that it is important to ensure that the political process in Libya should be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no imposition or external interference.

“Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)’s continued ability to launch attacks is deeply concerning. The focus of this Council should be to eliminate every threat posed by ISIL and other terror groups anywhere in the world. Terrorism is a growing threat to Africa and it is important for the Security Council to focus on this issue before it is too late,” he said regarding increasing insurgencies in the northern part of Africa.

“We noted with a high degree of concern the reports of armed clashes and mobilisations of armed groups in and around Tripoli.”

He further stressed the importance of planning for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of armed groups and non-state armed actors. “Libya also needs an inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process.”