On April 18, 2023, US Political Minister Counselor John Kelley delivered a speech during the UN Security Council briefing on Libya, urging Libyan leaders to demonstrate progress towards holding elections and achieving national reconciliation. Kelley expressed the United States’ unwavering support for Special Representative Bathily’s efforts to reach a political consensus among Libyans and hold elections as soon as possible. Kelley expressed concern over the uptick in illicit petroleum and arms trafficking, urging all member states to prevent such shipments. Kelley stressed that there must be accountability for these violations and abuses if national reconciliation is to be achieved. He called on Libyan leaders to prioritize their nation’s interests over their own and demonstrate progress towards achieving national reconciliation.
