1st LD: UN Security Council adopts resolution to enforce arms embargo on Libya

The UN Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution to enforce strict implementation of arms embargo on Libya.

The resolution has authorized member states for a period of one year to inspect, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, vessels coming from or to the country, if they have reasonable grounds to believe the vessels are carrying arms or related materials.

"In order to ensure strict implementation of arms embargo on Libya," the 15-nation council authorizes member states to act nationally or through regional organizations to use all measures to carry out such inspections, said the resolution.

The resolution was adopted after the European Union (EU) asked the UN Security Council to authorize EU's naval forces in the Mediterranean to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya last week.

On June 6, Federica Mogherini, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, requested the council to authorize the EU mission Operation Sophia to enforce the arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya.

In 2015, the EU launched the naval operation to reduce migrant and refugee smuggling across the Mediterranean.

Last year in October, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to authorize member states, including the EU, to take actions on vessels that are used for people smuggling from Libya.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has been witnessing a frayed political process after former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled during the 2011 political turmoil, as two rival parliaments vying for power and several groups have been fighting for control of national resource wealth.

The UN Security Council imposed sanctions measures including arms embargo on Libya in 2011 to prevent sale or supply of arms and related material of all types to the country. Endit