Security Council calls for political solution to Libyan crisis

The Security Council has emphasized the urgency for Libyan stakeholders to reach a political solution to the country's crisis amid ongoing United Nations-facilitated talks.

In a statement issued late this afternoon, the 15-member Council "strongly encouraged" all participants of the Libyan Political Dialogue "to positively consider" the proposals contained in the fourth draft of the political agreement which emerged from the most recent round of talks held in Morocco from 8 to 9 June.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya and that reaching a Political Agreement leading to the formation of a Government of National Accord is critical to ending Libya’s political, security and institutional crises, and to confront the rising threat of terrorism," the statement continued.

According to UN Special Representative on Libya, Bernardino Leon, who was in attendance, the meeting saw representatives of the five permanent members of the Security Council send a "very strong message" of unity and support to Libya and its parties.