Libyan people’s destiny should be in their hands; says Ambassador Munir Akram

UNITED NATIONS:  The UN Security Council adopted a Pakistan-backed resolution that updates the 15-member body’s sanctions regime on oil-rich Libya, allowing for the investment of its frozen assets and creating new sanctions designations for those involved in the illegal trade in Libyan petroleum products.

The resolution, authored by the United Kingdom, was passed by 14 votes to none against, with one abstention (Russia).

Under its terms, the Council demanded full compliance with its arms embargo, called on all member states not to exacerbate or intervene in the conflict, and reiterated that those individuals or entities determined to have violated the provisions of resolution 1970 (2011) are subject to designation.

“The Libyan people’s destiny should be in their own hands,” said Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative Pakistan to the UN, stressing that the asset freeze was not meant to be punitive in nature.

Rather, he said in explaining Pakistan’s vote for the resolution that it exists to protect such assets, which should be allowed to be reinvested to preserve their value.

“The frozen assets, which are for the future benefit of the Libyan people, should be allowed to be reinvested to preserve their value and prevent their depletion,” added Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s top diplomat at the UN.

In this regard, he expressed satisfaction that the recommendations of the Panel of Experts pertaining to the investment of Libyan frozen assets have been endorsed in the adopted resolution.

“It is vitally important that the Security Council sends a message of solidarity to the Libyan people,” Ambassador Akram said.

“The political reconciliation process should offer peace dividends to all citizens and focus on securing an equitable distribution of national resources. Concerted and sincere efforts can surmount all existing challenges.”

At the outset, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. “Well-defined and comprehensive peace-building and reconciliation strategies will fast-track the transition towards sustainable peace in the country,” the Pakistani envoy said.