UN Security Council renews authorization for high-seas inspections to enforce Libya arms embargo

WASHINGTON

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Tuesday renewing for six months an authorization allowing member states to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya when there are reasonable grounds to believe they are violating an international arms embargo.

The draft resolution -- co-authored by France and Greece -- passed with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from Russia and China.

Speaking prior to the vote, the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Jerome Bonnafont, said the draft resolution is part of the support of the Council to peace and stability in Libya.

"We know full well the arms embargo remains indispensable to try to prevent sporadic clashes, particularly in the region around Tripoli," he added.

Hailing the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, Bonnafont said it acts "in a professional, impartial and effective way," cooperating with Libya and neighboring countries and alongside all member states.

Russia and China, two permanent members of the Council, questioned the effectiveness and viability of the operation.

The Council first adopted the measures in support of the full implementation of the arms embargo on Libya in 2016. The interception of vessels bound to or from Libya was intended to curb the flow of arms to the country and to support a two-way arms embargo imposed by the Council on the country in 2011.