The United Nations Security Council has extended the authorization allowing member states to inspect vessels suspected of violating the Libya arms embargo. The measure, adopted under Resolution 2780, continues international efforts to enforce the embargo amid concerns over arms trafficking into the conflict-ridden country.
Authorization Extended by Six Months
Resolution 2780 extends for six months the mandate permitting UN member states, either acting individually or through regional organizations, to inspect vessels on the high seas headed to or from Libya. The inspections are allowed if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that vessels may be carrying arms or related materials, in violation of the long-standing arms embargo.
The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained.
Skepticism from Russia and China
In their statements following the vote, both Russian and Chinese representatives raised concerns about the efficacy of the inspections, particularly criticizing the European Union’s Operation IRINI, which is currently the only regional mechanism conducting such inspections. They also questioned the transparency and procedure for disposing of seized materials.
Background on the Libya Arms Embargo
The Security Council initially imposed the arms embargo on Libya in 2011, following the uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. To bolster enforcement, Resolution 2292, adopted in 2016, first authorized inspections on the high seas. Since then, the mandate has been renewed regularly due to ongoing instability and the risk of arms inflows fueling conflict.
The resolution also calls upon the UN Secretary-General to report back within five months on the implementation of the inspection regime, a move aimed at assessing the effectiveness and transparency of current enforcement mechanisms.
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Source: Xinhua
