I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
Excellencies,
I would like to thank Deputy Special Representative and Chargé d'affaires Stephanie Koury, Ambassador Yamazaki and Ms Hala Bugaighis, representative of civil society, for their presentations. I welcome the participation of the Libyan representative.
Peace does not just mean the absence of war. Peace also means confidence in state institutions, respect for international law and economic and social security. This is why it is all the more important that we heard today from a representative of Libyan civil society. Her essential messages are addressed to the Council, to the international community and to Libya.
In light of her speech, I would like to highlight three points today:
Firstly, we reiterate our call for the unification of Libyan institutions. In this respect, we welcome the agreement regarding the Central Bank. We support UNSMIL's calls for the implementation of this agreement and we welcome the mediation role it played. We will continue to work alongside UNSMIL to support the Libyan political process.
Secondly, the prolonged political stalemate in Libya can only be resolved through a political process based on an inclusive dialogue. This dialogue must put the country back on the road to elections. In this respect, we - the Security Council and the international community as a whole - have a responsibility. We must act coherently and in the interests of the Libyan people. In this context, we maintain our support for UNSMIL. We also encourage the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative as soon as possible. Furthermore, national reconciliation in Libya is linked to the political process. We welcome the efforts of the African Union and the Republic of Congo to organize a conference on national reconciliation. Synergies between their commitment and the work carried out by UNSMIL must be guaranteed.
Thirdly, it is essential to create a favorable environment for the political process to move forward.
This includes an electoral process that guarantees the participation of women and all minorities.
It also includes a free and secure civic space, free from reprisals.
And it includes the prevention of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Switzerland is alarmed by enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions. It calls for the release of all persons detained arbitrarily, and for the right to a fair trial to be guaranteed. It is necessary that we, the international community, work with our Libyan partners to find a solution to these issues.
Excellencies,
As peace does not just mean the absence of war, we have a responsibility to support the Libyan people to enable them to make progress in all the areas mentioned today by Ms Hala Bugaighis, a member of civil society. Switzerland is ready to continue its commitment in this regard.
Thank you.