Security Council welcomes first round of Libyan talks, commends participants in dialogue

The United Nations Security Council has today commended participants in the Libyan dialogue, which aims to find ways to end the political, security and institutional crisis in the country.

Also commending the personal mediation efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General Bernardino León, Council Members released a press statement this afternoon in which they welcomed the first round of talks that took place between 14 and 15 January, hosted by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in Geneva, and supported resumption of another round of talks in Geneva next week and strongly urged all relevant Libyan stakeholders to attend.

Council Members reaffirmed that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya and called on all parties to cease hostilities to create a peaceful and conducive environment for an inclusive dialogue. In that regard, Council members welcomed announcements of a ceasefire on 16 January.

In light of the talks proceeding in Geneva, the members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2174 (2014) and emphasized that the Sanctions Committee is prepared to sanction those who threaten Libya's peace, stability or security or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition.

Members also reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.