On 18 September, acting UN Envoy to Libya Stephanie Koury visited Rome, Italy. She met with Pasquale Ferrara, Director General for Political Affairs and Security of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed recent developments in Libya, in particular the ongoing CBL crisis, the blockade of oil exports, and the House of Representatives (HoR) – High State Council (HSC) initiative to establish a new government. Both agreed that Libya needs unified and legitimate state institutions and a national dialogue to achieve sustainable solutions to Libya’s numerous challenges.
Thereafter, Koury visited the Headquarters of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI, located in southern Rome. She was welcomed by the Deputy Operation Commander, the French Rear Admiral Guillaume Fontarensky, who briefed her on the tasks of Operation IRINI, current operations and challenges. The Admiral pointed out that IRINI is a ‘complex and significant EU Military Operation under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy’. He emphasized that IRINI is the only international actor implementing the UN arms embargo on Libya. He said that through its use of ships, aircraft, drones, and satellites, the Operation provides continuous surveillance in the Central Mediterranean, monitoring air and sea lines of communication, particularly on high seas off the coast of Libya, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Koury emphasized the importance of enforcing an arms embargo on Libya in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. The arms embargo is seen as a crucial measure to stem the flow of weapons into Libya to help stabilize the country following years of conflict. Koury underlined that strict compliance with the arms embargo is essential for peacebuilding efforts and the long-term reconstruction of the country. Koury met with international staff at the Headquarters and visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), where the operation is managed.