The situation in Libya - Security Council, 10053rd meeting

The Security Council today decided to again extend its authorizations concerning the arms embargo on Libya for a further six months. 

The 15-nation organ did so by adopting resolution 2804 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2804(2025)) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation). Those authorizations — first given through resolution 2292 (2016) — allow Member States, acting either nationally or through regional organizations, to inspect vessels on the high seas off Libya’s coast that are reasonably believed to be in violation of the two-way arms embargo imposed on that country. 

The embargo itself was first imposed by resolution 1970 (2011). After the adoption, Greece’s representative underlined the importance of maintaining the legal framework authorizing the inspection of vessels to ensure the effective monitoring and enforcement of the arms embargo. Calling Operation IRINI “an impartial and unique instrument”, she said that it serves as the “primary tool for maritime enforcement” of the embargo. She therefore called for continued cooperation between the Operation and all relevant stakeholders — particularly the Libyan authorities — and underlined the need for full, unhindered implementation of its mandate. 

After the adoption, Greece’s representative underlined the importance of maintaining the legal framework authorizing the inspection of vessels to ensure the effective monitoring and enforcement of the arms embargo. Calling Operation IRINI “an impartial and unique instrument”, she said that it serves as the “primary tool for maritime enforcement” of the embargo. She therefore called for continued cooperation between the Operation and all relevant stakeholders — particularly the Libyan authorities — and underlined the need for full, unhindered implementation of its mandate.