The Permanent Representative of Greece reiterated the Greek side’s intention for constructive dialogue with Libya on all bilateral issues, including the delimitation of maritime zones.

Through an exchange of positions, but also with a shared commitment to diplomacy and dialogue, Greece’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, and his Libyan counterpart, Ambassador Taher Mohamed Al Sonni, addressed the issue of maritime zone delimitation during the UN Security Council session on Libya.

In his remarks, the Greek Permanent Representative referred, among other things, to the recent meeting of the International Follow-up Committee of the “Berlin Process,” highlighting the importance of broad participation by neighboring states to strengthen international efforts in Libya.

He reiterated Greece’s intention to engage in constructive dialogue with Libya on all bilateral issues, including maritime zone delimitation.

“We are ready to participate in a constructive dialogue to address all issues with our Libyan counterparts,” he said, adding that “statements or actions moving in the opposite direction are clearly counterproductive.” “The last thing our region needs in these turbulent times is a new source of tension,” Mr. Sekeris noted.

As was reported two days ago, the Greek ambassador in Tripoli, N. Garilidis, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a demarche of protest was delivered regarding the tender for exploration blocks south of Crete, with the Libyan side claiming that sovereign rights of the country were being violated.

For his part, the Permanent Representative of Libya, Ambassador Taher Mohamed Al Sonni, stated that “diplomacy is the solution in such cases, and Libya has always extended a hand of cooperation for international and regional collaboration.” He pointed out to Mr. Sekeris that Libya had made “no provocation,” noting that “the provocation arises when you announce plans to conduct surveys in a disputed area.”

He also stressed that “even now, despite divisions, the authorities of both Western and Eastern Libya were united and issued joint statements condemning such acts.”

“I fully agree with you, dear colleague, that diplomacy must take precedence, and we must use the historic ties between our countries to resolve this and other issues,” the Libyan Permanent Representative stated.

Mr. Sekeris exercised his right of reply to clarify that “unless there was an error in the translation from Arabic, there was no reference to provocation in my statement” (the term used by the Libyan side) and emphasized that “I stated the obvious—that we must resolve issues in accordance with international law, including the law of the sea, which covers maritime zone delimitation. I believe that through cooperation and dialogue, this can be achieved.”

The Libyan Permanent Representative responded that “I understood your statement as referring to any provocative statements not aiding diplomacy. And that’s why I say we did not seek to provoke you with our statements. We want diplomacy. The action that took place triggered all this. We are friends and will find ways to resolve this issue,” reaffirming the shared intention to maintain communication channels and diplomatic cooperation despite existing disagreements.

The meeting took place amid ongoing UN-led efforts to promote a political solution in Libya and international concerns about stability in the wider region.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Ms. Hana Tetteh, provided a detailed briefing on the political, economic, and humanitarian developments in the country, noting that Libya stands “at yet another critical crossroads” on its path toward national unity, democracy, and stability.

Ms. Tetteh began by welcoming the recent resumption of the International Follow-up Committee of the Berlin Process for Libya (IFC-L) on 20 June in Berlin, stressing that the meeting marked “a significant shift towards reviving international coordination for Libya and consolidating international support for UN efforts.”

Regarding the situation on the ground, Ms. Tetteh described how, after the armed clashes in Tripoli in May, UNSMIL engaged extensively with political and military actors, tribal leaders, civil society, and international partners to prevent further violence. She noted that following this engagement, the Presidential Council established on 18 May a Ceasefire Committee “to monitor compliance with the ceasefire, facilitate a permanent cessation of hostilities, and protect civilians.”

On 4 June, the establishment of a Temporary Security and Military Arrangements Committee followed, responsible for consolidating peace and reorganizing forces in Tripoli. These actions led to the withdrawal of heavily armed forces from central Tripoli’s main arteries by 11 June, replaced by police and military police. However, she warned that “the ceasefire remains fragile and the overall security situation unpredictable.”

With particular concern, Ms. Tetteh mentioned that the May clashes caused civilian casualties and injuries as well as significant damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, universities, and prisons. She expressed particular concern over “the discovery of mass graves in the Abu Salim area,” citing indications of serious human rights violations such as “extrajudicial executions, torture, and disappearances of persons, allegedly by state security agencies, particularly the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA).”

The presence of charred remains, unidentified bodies in morgues, and illegal detention centers, Ms. Tetteh said, underscores “the need for security sector reform that respects human rights.”

She noted that the continued inflow of weapons has led to “an accumulation of heavy weapons and ammunition depots in residential areas, posing serious risks to civilians,” while expressing concern that instability could draw in forces from Eastern Libya, undermining the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement.

She urged all actors to exercise restraint: “This is not a time for power games and unilateral actions; calm is required.”

On the political process, Ms. Tetteh highlighted the deep public frustration reflected in protests, pointing out that “many Libyans have lost confidence in existing institutions and leaderships.” She emphasized the “strong desire for a political process that promotes citizen participation, leads to the election of leadership with a clear mandate, and provides opportunities for meaningful change.”

“The Council’s support, including its readiness to take measures against those obstructing the process or inciting violence and criminality, will be critical and reassuring to all Libyans,” Ms. Tetteh said.