UN Security Council OKs ceasefire monitors to Libya

WASHINGTON

The UN Security Council unanimously approved on Friday the deployment of 60 ceasefire monitors to Libya.

The resolution that easily cleared the international body also called on Libya's Government of National Accord to prepare for "free, fair and inclusive national" elections in December.

"Free, fair and credible elections will allow the Libyan people to elect a representative and unified government and reinforce the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya," the resolution says.

It further called to "ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth."

Jan Kubis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's special envoy for Libya, urged Libyan lawmakers on March 24 to pass necessary legislation by July "at the latest" so that the elections can be held as planned, and Friday's resolution says the legislation should be in place no later than July 1.

A ceasefire between the UN-recognized government and forces loyal to renegade General Khalifa Haftar has largely held since it was brokered in October, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for international monitors to be deployed to monitor the situation.

Libya has been beset by conflict since former longtime strongman Muammar Qaddafi was overthrown in 2011 amid a mass revolt supported by NATO. Civil war ensued in the aftermath of his ouster, and it has persisted for nearly a decade.

Libya is expected to hold nationwide parliamentary and presidential elections in December after having polls delayed for three years amid the conflict between government and Haftar's forces.

*Betul Yuruk contributed to this story from the United Nations