UAE committed to Libyan peace process: Gargash
In remarks delivered virtually during the Libya session, Dr Gargash also expressed growing concern over foreign regional interference in Libya and the threat it poses to security
Dr Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, yesterday underscored the UAE’S unwavering support for efforts by the international community to achieve a political solution to the Libyan crisis.
In remarks delivered virtually during the United Nations Security Council Session on Libya, Dr Gargash also expressed growing concern over foreign regional interference in Libya and the threat it poses to security and stability in the region, as well as the peace process in that country.
“The United Arab Emirates has long held a consistent and clear position on the Libyan crisis: a political solution is the only viable option to resolve the conflict. We continue to call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire agreement and resume a Libyan-led political dialogue, under the UN auspices,” Gargash remarked.
“A ceasefire and political dialogue constitute the only way forward to ensure lasting security and stability in Libya and end the suffering of the Libyan people. Now more than ever, a ceasefire has become an urgent priority to allow an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent more suffering of the civilian population,” he continued.
Turning to the UAE’S support for German diplomatic efforts to bring together stakeholders in the Libyan conflict, he noted, “Since the Berlin Conference, the UAE has urged stakeholders in the Libyan conflict to support United Nations Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, in implementing the conclusions document. We have also actively and in good faith participated in the meetings of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya, in addition to economic, political, security, human rights and international human rights law working groups.”
“However, six months ater the conference, the UAE regrets the deterioration of the security situation in the country. This downward spiral is due to the continuous foreign regional interference in Libya’s internal affairs,” the Minister continued. Moreover, Gargash warned that regional intervention and the export of mercenaries to the Libyan arena have exacerbated the conflict and represent a threat to the security of an Arab state and blatant interference in its internal affairs.
In this regard, Gargash commended Egypt’s role articulated in the Cairo initiative to support the implementation of the Berlin Conference outcomes and Egypt’s right to defend its national security. He also lauded efforts by the UN Support Mission in Libya to deescalate the situation and engage in confidence-building measures among Libyan parties while noting the important role the European Union’s Operation Irini can play in promoting collective action by signatories present at the Berlin Conference.
In his concluding remarks, Gargash urged continued engagement by the Security Council to prevent further instability in Libya and advance a comprehensive political solution to the conflict, underscoring the urgency of appointing a new Special Representative to achieve stability and peace in Libya.
Separately, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the world has been experiencing extraordinary circumstances due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 global health crisis, wherein the UAE and South Korea have proven the value of their friendship and showcased what two countries with shared interests, goals, and values can accomplish with close collaboration.
Sheikh Abdullah – in an Op-ed carried by South Korean Yonhap News Agency under the title “A Model Partnership Made Even Stronger by COVID-19” on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the UAE and South Korea – commended those outstanding relations that both countries share.
He added that as COVID-19 transmited across national borders over the past months, South Korea was one of the first countries to batle the outbreak. In the process, he said, South Korea acquired valuable knowledge and expertise, which it has shared openly with the UAE and the rest of the international community. South Korean expertise formed a significant part of the ‘best practices’ framework that is now widely recognised as critical to stopping the spread of the virus.