Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on the Libya Sanctions Regime
The United Kingdom is grateful to all members of the Security Council for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation of this resolution.
Today's resolution is an important step, ensuring that the UN sanctions regime on Libya remains fit for purpose and in the service of the Libyan people.
This resolution comes at a critical juncture for advancing Libya's security and stability. The new exemption to the arms embargo will enable Member States to provide training and technical expertise to Libyan security forces to support the vital goal of military and security reunification.
In addition, for the first time, the Libyan Investment Authority will be allowed to reinvest frozen cash reserves to safeguard the assets for the future benefit of the Libyan people.
We also welcome the new designation criteria which will enable us to hold accountable those who exploit crude oil and refined petroleum, a natural resource which should benefit all Libyans.
We look forward to working with Council members on proper implementation of these new measures.
We are also pleased to extend the mandate of the Libyan Panel of Experts, whose expertise has been essential to making the changes agreed today.
The UK continues to strongly support the UN facilitated, Libyan-led political process, and urges all parties to engage fully in order to make much needed progress and lead the country to elections.
