UN Security Council renews authorization to inspect ships for Libya arms embargo violations

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to renew authorization to inspect ships suspected of violating arms embargo on Libya.

The draft resolution, co-penned by Malta and France and put to a vote in the 15-member Council, received 9 votes in favor, none against, and 6 abstentions.

The renewal of the authorization allows member states or regional organizations to inspect vessels in the open seas off the coast of Libya that are suspected of violating the arms embargo.

Speaking prior to the vote, Malta's Permanent Representative at the UN, Vanessa Frazier, conveyed strong commitment to "the protection of the Libyan people who are the primary victims of conflict and to advancing peace and stability in Libya, the Mediterranean and beyond."

Saying that such efforts are "are often undermined by the proliferation of arms and weapons under the control of various state and non-state actors operating in Libya," Frazier urged for UN arms embargo on Libya to be "fully respected and adhered to."

She hailed European Union's (EU) Operation IRINI, saying that "Operation IRINI is proof of the EU's commitment to contribute to the return to peace and stability in Libya."

- European Union's Naval Force Mediterranean Operation (IRINI)

The inspections are currently carried out by the EU's Operation IRINI.

It was launched on March 31, 2020, following the Berlin Conference on Libya. In March, the EU decided to extend the duration of Operation IRINI until March 31, 2025.

As a controversial operation, it is criticized for its actions, which are considered biased.

IRINI stands out as the only organization conducting regional inspections in the open seas off Libya.