UN Extends Authorisation to Inspect Vessels Suspected of Violating Libya Arms Embargo

The UN Security Council has extended the authorisation for member states to inspect vessels suspected of arms embargo violations related to Libya for six months. Resolution 2780 passed with 13 votes, while Russia and China abstained, questioning the effectiveness of the EU’s Operation IRINI. The council’s sanctions on Libya date back to 2011 amidst political unrest, and the resolution aims to ensure compliance with these measures.

The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend a crucial resolution allowing inspections of vessels suspected of breaching the arms embargo on Libya. This decision, made on May 30, involves prolonging the authorisation for member states to conduct inspections at sea for six months. Under this resolution, designated as Resolution 2780, nations can inspect ships believed to be transporting weapons or related materials in violation of the embargo, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The resolution gained broad support, passing with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China chose to abstain from voting. Representatives from these two nations raised concerns over the effectiveness of the European Union’s Operation IRINI, the only authorized regional initiative to carry out inspections. They have also criticized the methods used to dispose of intercepted items, indicating doubts about the operation’s overall efficacy and transparency.

Since 2011, the Security Council has imposed various sanctions on Libya, including the ongoing arms embargo, which was implemented following the political upheaval and subsequent fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The UNSC’s Libya Sanctions Committee plays a significant role in identifying vessels that engage in illegal activities, such as crude oil exports that violate these sanctions, and has the authority to prohibit supplies for these designated vessels.

The arms embargo’s enforcement has a history, dating back to Resolution 2292 adopted in June 2016, which also authorised inspections on the high seas to ensure compliance. This latest resolution highlights the UN’s continued commitment to maintaining international peace and security in the region amid ongoing challenges in Libya’s political landscape.

In summary, the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2780 reinforces the ongoing international effort to uphold the arms embargo on Libya. With growing scrutiny on the effectiveness of current operations, particularly by Russia and China, the global community remains focused on ensuring compliance with sanctions initiated more than a decade ago. The resolution reflects the UN’s determination to address arms trafficking in conflict zones, even as challenges persist.

Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz