In a press statement issued here, the Council members expressed their "profound concern" about the deteriorating situation and its impact on regional peace and stability. They noted with concern the recent attacks on public and civilian infrastructure.
"The members of the Security Council strongly condemned ongoing human rights violations and abuses in Libya, use of violence against civilians and civilian institutions and public intimidation, including of United Nations personnel. They condemned attempts to intimidate and obstruct the proper functioning of Libyas financial institutions," the statement said.
The UN has reported a recent escalation in hostilities in Libya amid air strikes in Tripoli and the Nafusa Mountains in the west as well as in Benghazi and its environs in the countrys east. The outburst of fighting comes just days after a UN-mediated ceasefire brought temporary relief to Benghazi and gave civilians there a much-needed reprieve from violence and an opportunity to evacuate and retrieve the bodies of the dead.
Underlining that there can be no military solution to the current crisis, the 15-nation body urged all parties to engage constructively with the efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bernardino Leon to "resume an inclusive political process aimed at addressing the political and security challenges facing the country."
Recalling resolution 2174 (2014), the most powerful body of the UN emphasized that the Sanctions Committee is prepared to sanction those "who threaten Libyas peace, stability or security or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition."
Since 2011 uprising that ousted former leader Muammar al- Qadhafi, violence amongst armed groups has spread throughout the North African country causing a humanitarian crisis.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
