MOHAMED YOUNIS A MENFI, President of the Presidential Council of Libya, said his country has suffered for more than a decade from transitions and unjustified wars, fuelled by interference aimed at weakening the State to control its natural resources and political and economic decisions.  A strong stance is required to regain control.  Though challenges are complex, the country prioritizes consensual solutions and dialogue to resolve them nationally.  “Some political parties”, however, have systematically obstructed the process, leading to deep institutional and political divisions.  As parallel bodies were created, the freezing or outright cancellation of the country’s commitments to accords and Security Council resolutions fizzled.  Recent attempts to tamper with the judiciary make it clear that Libya must shoulder its responsibilities to provide security to its citizens.

A comprehensive political solution that includes financial, economic and security concerns in line with the national reconciliation track is the only way to render the country stable so that it may hold elections and for the people to enjoy self-determination.  “We firmly believe that the Libyan people have the right to decide their destiny” he said, which will be achieved when the country regains the control that “some parties are trying to prevent”.  Moreover, the national reconciliation project sponsored by the Presidential Council has been delayed due to recent developments and obstruction.  Trust must be built, he underlined, and in that vein, he welcomed efforts from the African Union and called for national dialogue for reconciliation.  All stakeholders must participate constructively to reach a peaceful settlement based on a Libyan solution, free from foreign interference.  Recalling the huge human and structural losses of the city of Derna in the wake of Hurricane Daniel, he said that the people’s efforts in recovery taught them that they can solve problems without foreign interference or support.

On the situation in the Middle East, he said “the genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian and Lebanese people represents a heinous violation of international law”.  Impunity will not be accepted.  To that end, Libya joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, requiring Israel to follow international laws.  Accountability for this “mass genocide” of the Palestinian people must be ensured, he said.  Moreover, as the spectre of a regional war hovers, Libya stresses the importance of an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital in line with the right to self-determination.

Turning to migration and its potential for terrorism, he noted that Libya is a transit country, calling for concerted efforts to solve the problem in line with the protection of migrant’s rights.  Though affected by the scourge of terrorism, Libya succeeded in defeating Da’esh thanks to the sacrifice of its people, the military and the help of the international community.  “Combating terrorism is not a mere military confrontation.  It is a multifaceted phenomenon that requires greater local and international efforts and a comprehensive approach that addresses its different dimensions,” he said, noting that, despite the UN’s efforts, the need for national mechanisms combating the scourge is clear.  Addressing the Assembly, he declared that “it is high time to close ranks and build bridges of unity.  Let’s make our solidarity the cornerstone of our homeland,” as unity is the path to stability.  Hailing the resilience of the Libyan people, he noted that the country will not forget those who stood by them in times of hardship and will continue working to build a future worthy of the aspirations of its people.