Given ‘Current Circumstances’ in Libya, Security Council Extends United Nations Support Mission for Two Weeks, Adopting Resolution 2208 (2015)

The Security Council, recognizing in the current circumstances the need for a short extension of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), did so for a further two weeks, until 31 March.

In that context, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2208 (2015) under the Charter’s Chapter VII, by which it took note of a special report of the Secretary-General on the strategic assessment of the United Nations presence in Libya (S/2015/113), including the recommendations on its configuration.

The 15-member body also extended for the same period the authorizations and measures imposed by resolution 2146 (2014), which concerned a ban on illicit crude oil exports from the North African nation.

The meeting began at 3:02 p.m. and ended at 3:06 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2208 (2015) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) and all its subsequent resolutions on Libya,

“Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) (S/2015/144),

“Taking note also of the special report of the Secretary-General on the strategic assessment of the UN presence in Libya (S/2015/113) including the recommendations on the configuration of the UN presence made therein,

“Supporting the ongoing efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate a political solution to the increasing challenges facing the country,

“Recognizing, in the current circumstances, the need for a short extension of the mandate of UNSMIL,

“Recognizing also the need for a short extension of the authorizations provided by and the measures imposed by resolution 2146 (2014),

“Determining that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Decides to extend until 31 March 2015 the authorizations provided by and the measures imposed by resolution 2146 (2014);

“2.   Decides to extend until 31 March 2015 the mandate of UNSMIL, as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 2144 (2014), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership;

“3.   Decides to remain seized of the matter.”