Statement delivered by His Excellency Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, in explanation of vote at the adoption of the resolution renewing the sanctions regime in Libya

Distinguished members of the Council,

1- I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and my own country, Algeria.

2- Allow me to start by extending our thanks to the United Kingdom for their commendable efforts in steering the discussion on the resolution that has just been adopted.

3- Despite the imperfections in the text of this resolution, the A3+ has voted in favour. We recognize the merit of many of its provisions and the significant progress that has been achieved in this resolution.

4- The A3+ welcomes the Council’s first-ever decision to finally allow the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest its frozen assets, in order to preserve their value for the benefit of the Libyan People at a later stage.

5- In this regard, the A3+ is deeply concerned about the continuous erosion of Libya's frozen assets, due to misuse and mismanagement by certain international financial institutions.

6- These financial institutions should be held accountable, and the People of Libya should benefit from full reparation and compensation for such violations.

Distinguished members of the Council,

7- The A3+ takes good note of the encouraging progress made on the delisting of sanctioned individuals and entities who no longer meet the criteria for designation.

8- The fact that the sanctions committee will, from now on, copy the Permanent Mission of Libya in New York in relevant correspondences of the sanctions committee is another improvement that will enhance the efficiency and transparency of our work as Council members and ensure that Libya is formally notified of developments regarding its frozen asset.

9- The A3+ takes note of the amendment to paragraph 9 of Resolution 1970 (2011), allowing Member States to provide technical assistance for establishing the proposed coordination centres, as per the request of the President of Libya's Presidential Council. This provision should be implemented consistently in close coordination and approval of the legitimate Government of Libya, recognized by the international community.

10- The A3+ expresses its unwavering commitment to a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process under UN auspices. In this context, we call for the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces, including foreign fighters and mercenaries, and for full respect for Libya's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

11- The A3+ stands in solidarity with the Libyan people who have endured tremendous hardships due to miscalculations and hasty decisions made in the past by this august Council. We call on the Council to take responsibility and support the Libyan people in every possible way; in particular by creating a conducive environment to hold free, transparent, and inclusive elections that will enable them to shape a brighter future for their country.

I thank you.