Antonio Guterres called for an end to the violation of the arms embargo and the evacuation of all foreign fighters.

The head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, said that foreign fighters and mercenaries violated a ceasefire agreement last year and remained in Libya, demanding that they withdraw and end violations of the UN arms embargo.

Guterres stated in a report to the UN Security Council last Friday that the smooth transfer of power to the new interim government of national unity (“the new government”) in March will bring about the unification of the country and its institutions and a lasting peace. There is a new hope. . However, he said that continued progress must be made on the political, economic, and security tracks before the election can take place in the second half of this year.

Since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled long-term leader Moammar Gaddafi (Moammar Gaddafi), Libya has been in a state of chaos, and finally made this oil-rich country in the capital Tripoli a UN-approved government and Split between rival authorities in the eastern part of the country. Both sides have the support of armed groups and foreign governments.

In April 2019, with the support of mercenaries from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, the rebel military commander Halifa Haftar and the eastern base forces launched an offensive in an attempt to capture Tripoli. The 14-month campaign collapsed after Turkey strengthened its military support for the UN-recognized government through its troops and Syrian mercenaries.

The October 2020 ceasefire agreement included an agreement requiring all foreign fighters and mercenaries to leave Libya within 90 days, leading to a new National Unity Transitional Government agreement, and elections scheduled for December 24.

The United Nations estimates that by December 2020, there will be at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians. However, at an informal council meeting in late April, the spokesperson said that there were more than 20,000 people, including 13,000 Syrians and 11,000 Sudanese.

“No reduction of foreign troops”

Guterres said in the new report that while the ceasefire continues, the UN Political Mission in Libya has received reports of fortifications and defensive positions on the key route between the strategic city of Sirte in central Libya. Key oil fields and export terminals and Jufra.

The Secretary-General said: “Despite the commitments made by the parties, the navigation air cargo activities are reported to continue, flying to various air bases in the western and eastern regions of Libya.” “The report shows that foreign fighters or their activities in central Libya have not cut back.”

Guterres said that GNU must prioritize reforms in the security sector, including filling senior civilian and military positions, and developing a road map to unify the Libyan army and address the proliferation of armed groups.

He said: “It is vital to put one of the world’s largest uncontrolled weapons and ammunition under national control.” “I once again call on Member States and Libyan state actors to stop violating the arms embargo. And facilitate the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from the country.”

Last month, the Security Council passed a resolution urging all foreign troops and mercenaries to leave Libya and authorizing a small UN team to monitor the ceasefire agreement. In a letter to the Security Council on April 7, Guterres proposed to deploy up to 60 monitors initially for a phased deployment as part of the United Nations mission in the country.