What's In Blue

Posted Mon 28 Nov 2011

Briefing and Consultations on Libya

Ian Martin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), is scheduled to brief the Council on Libya this afternoon (Monday, 28 November). Following the briefing, which seems likely to focus on the UNSMIL report recently circulated to Council members on the mission’s progress and developments in Libya, Council members are due to meet in consultations.

The UNSMIL report of 22 November recommends a three-month extension of the mission’s mandate, which is due to expire in mid-December. It seems that the Council is likely to pass a resolution endorsing a technical rollover of UNSMIL’s mandate over the coming days. (An extension of the mandate, which was for “an initial period of three months”, would allow Martin to discuss UNSMIL’s longer term role with the new Libyan authorities sworn in on 24 November.)

During today’s briefing, Martin is also likely to update Council members on Saif Al-Islam Qaddafi’s recent capture and developments surrounding the Libyan authorities’ decision to try him in Libya.

Under resolution 2009 of 16 September, UNSMIL was mandated—among other provisions—to assist and support Libya’s national efforts to restore security and order and promote the rule of law; and to promote reconciliation and embark upon constitution-making and electoral processes.

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