Libyan smuggled wealth on top of government priorities: permanent mission to UN

CAIRO – 6 June 2021: Deputy Libyan Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mousa al-Sharaa said in the 32nd United Nations Convention Against Corruption that over the past decade of chaos in his country, Libyan wealth has been smuggled while certain foreign countries interfered in its internal affairs to put their hand on Libyan resources.

Sharaa added that is why recovering smuggled Libyan money is on top of priorities of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU). The Libyan diplomat also pointed out that no matter how big national efforts are, they must be supported by the international community.  

In April, the United Nations Security Council gave the green light to deploy 60 observers to the ceasefire in Libya, urging the country's new national unity government to prepare for free and fair elections on December 24.

The Security Council approved a proposal of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to deploy observers for a ceasefire in Libya.

Guterres addressed to the Security Council on April 7, "The observers will deploy to Sirte once all the requirements for the permanent presence of the United Nations are met, including security, logistical, medical and operational aspects." "In the meantime, there will be a presence in Tripoli as soon as circumstances permit," he added.

In the resolution adopted by the Security Council, the Council stressed the "complete and real participation of women and youth" in the elections. 

The UN Security Council strongly urged all states to respect and support the ceasefire by withdrawing all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya "without delay" and to demand full compliance with the arms embargo imposed on Libya.