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29.01.2015 Libya

Conclusions of the 2nd meeting of the International Contact Group for Libya

By African Union Commission (AUC)
Conclusions of the 2nd meeting of the International Contact Group for Libya
29.01.2015 LISTEN

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 29, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The International Contact Group for Libya (ICG-L) convened its second meeting, at ministerial level, in Addis Ababa, on 28 January 2015. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Smaïl Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), and Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU). The list of countries and organizations that attended the meeting is indicated below[1]:

[1] Algeria , Chad, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Guinea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Tunisia, United Kingdom and United States of America, African Union, Community of Sahelo-Saharan States, European Union, League of the Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations. Turkey and Qatar participated as observers in the open part of the meeting.

Participants reviewed the current situation in Libya and the efforts being made to end the violence in the country, as well as facilitate an inclusive political dialogue among the Libyan stakeholders, with a view to promoting national reconciliation and completing the ongoing transition.

Participants expressed their deep concern at the prevailing security situation and the continued terrorist acts in the country, as well as at the resulting humanitarian crisis and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. They expressed concern at the fact that some terrorist groups have found safe haven in parts of Libya. They noted the negative consequences of the situation obtaining in Libya on regional security and stability. Participants condemned all acts of violence. In this respect, they strongly condemned the terrorist attack of 27 January 2015 at Corinthia Hotel, in Tripoli, and expressed their solidarity with the Libyan people. They emphasized that such attacks would not derail the political process.

Participants, once again, reiterated their conviction that there can be no military solution to the current crisis in Libya, and that only dialogue will bring about durable peace, security, stability and reconciliation. In this respect, they welcomed the outcome of the first round of the Libyan political dialogue aimed at facilitating the resolution of the multidimensional crisis facing Libya, facilitated by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in Geneva, on 14 and 15 January 2015. They commended those who attended the first round for their constructive attitude and commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in Libya.

Participants welcomed the convening of the second round of the political dialogue, which started in Geneva on 26 January 2015, and called on all parties, in particular those who have thus far not joined the Geneva talks, to demonstrate the required political will and flexibility, in order to move the political process forward. They looked forward to the planned additional talks that will, among others, bring together municipal and local council representatives, as well as military commanders, to discuss confidence-building measures and ways to implement them.

Participants commended the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Mr. Bernardino Leon, encouraging him to pursue them. They urged all Libyan stakeholders to extend the necessary cooperation to the UN Special Reprsentative. Participants called for the extension of the mandate of UNSMIL, which expires on 13 March 2015.

Participants welcomed the announcements made, on 17 and 18 January 2015 respectively, by the Libyan National Army and the Libya Dawn Coalition to observe a cessation of hostilities, with a view to facilitating the ongoing political dialogue. They urged the parties to fully comply with their commitments, by ensuring that the ceasefire applies effectively to ground, sea and air operations, as well as to movements of armed personnel and vehicles. They urged both parties to work with UNSMIL on the specific elements of the cessation of hostilities, including the mechanism to ensure compliance with it. They took note with satisfaction of the AU's readiness, working with the neighboring countries and the UN, to contribute to the establishment of such a monitoring mechanism.

Participants expressed their appreciation to the neighboring countries for their continued involvement, sustained efforts and commitment. In this respect, they welcomed the outcome of the 5th ministerial meeting of the neighboring countries held in Khartoum, Sudan, on 4 December 2014. They reiterated their support to the initiative announced by Algeria regarding the facilitation of a reconciliation conference among all Libyan stakeholders, building on the outcome of the Geneva talks. They looked forward to the holding of the 6th meeting of the neighboring countries in N'Djamena, Chad, in February 2015.

Participants reiterated their support to UN Security Council resolution 2174 (2014) of 27 August 2014, which provides for the imposition of sanctions against all those involved in serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and those undermining the political process.

Participants agreed on the need to strengthen the ICG-L to enable it fully discharge its mandate, including by facilitating a continuous exchange of information on the situation prevailing on the ground and the evolution of the related international efforts; harmonizing messaging, to ensure that the international community speaks with one voice and maximize its leverage and capacity to positively influence the course of events in Libya; and identifying gaps and duplications in international action and advising on how best to address them.

Participants thanked the AU Commission for all the arrangements made to ensure the successful convening of the second meeting of the ICG-L. They agreed to convene their next meetings in Niamey, Niger, in April 2015, and in Madrid, Spain, at a date to be agreed upon through consultations.

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