UN Security Council eases Libya sanctions

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution to ease sanctions against Libya's assets and arms, and set up a UN mission to help restore public security and initiate economic recovery in the North African country. 

The new resolution decided to lift asset freeze and other measures against the Libyan National Oil Corporation and Zueitina Oil Company, and ease sanctions against the Central Bank of Libya, the Libyan Arab Foreign Bank, the Libyan Investment Authority and the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio.

The Security Council underscored "the importance of making these assets available in a transparent and responsible manner in conformity with the needs and wishes of the Libyan people," the resolution said.  

The Security Council allows "arms and related material of all types, including technical assistance, training, financial and other assistance, intended solely for security or disarmament assistance to the Libyan authorities," the resolution said.

However, the sanctions against Libyan strongman Muammar Qaddafi, his family members and close followers are maintained, the resolution said.

The resolution was adopted hours after the UN General Assembly approved Libya's National Transitional Council as the legitimate holder of the country's UN seat.

In February, the 15-nation Security Council voted 15-0 to freeze the foreign assets of Qaddafi and his four aides, and to impose an arms embargo on the North African nation.    

The Security Council decided to maintain the no-fly zone over Libya, imposed by the previous Council resolution months ago, but allows states to permit Libyan aircraft to land, which means a green light to the resumed operation of the Libyan airlines, the resolution said.    

Meanwhile, the Security Council also decided to set up a United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) "for an initial period of three months to restore public security and order and promote the rule of law in the warring country, undertake inclusive political dialogue, promote national reconciliation, and embark upon the constitution-making and electoral process, and "take the immediate steps required to initiate economic recovery," the resolution said.

The Security Council "welcomes the improved situation" in Libya and "looks forward to the establishment of an inclusive, representative transitional government of Libya," the resolution said.

The Security Council reaffirmed that "the United Nations should lead the effort of the international community in supporting the Libyan-led transition and rebuilding process aimed at establishing a democratic, independent and united Libya," the resolution said.

The Security Council "strongly urges the Libyan authorities to ensure the protection of diplomatic personnel and premises in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961," the resolution said.

The Security Council "calls upon the Libyan authorities to comply with the international obligations of Libya, including obligations set forth in the Charter of the United Nations," the resolution said.

The Security Council held that "the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be a critical factor for the consolidation of peace in Libya," the resolution said.