Moscow keeps in mind risk of Libyan weapons proliferation in drafting UN resolution

MOSCOW, November 1 (Itar-Tass) —— Moscow could not ignore the possible risks of terrorists’ coming into possession of Libyan weapons in the drafting of a resolution of the UN Security Council, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The resolution aims to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, including man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, within Libya and outside of its territory. By making this initiative, Moscow “proceeded from the need to put a barrier on the way of the threat of the proliferation of Libyan weapons, which appeared in the armed confrontation and the consequent crisis in Libya,” the ministry said. “Therefore, the resolution insistently appeals to the Libyan authorities for taking comprehensive measures, which will prevent the proliferation of weaponry, including man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, with appropriate security measures, for cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the disposal of the remaining stock of chemical warfare agents and for meeting the national commitments in the control over armaments, disarmament and non-proliferation,” the ministry said. “Libyan neighbors are requested to prevent the possible ‘leak’ of Libyan weapons in cooperation with the Libyan authorities. The UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee will monitor the fulfillment of this resolution.” While drafting the resolution, “Russia could not ignore the risks of terrorists’ taking possession of Libyan weapons. Therefore, the document stipulates the drafting of a related report of the UN Security Council by the Sanctions Committee in cooperation with the Counter Terrorism Committee and the ICAO,” the ministry said. “The timely preventive measures taken in compliance with this resolution by the National Transitional Council and all the other parties actively involved in Libyan affairs will help avoid serious risks to regional stability, including those created by terrorist elements,” the ministry said. The resolution “lays down a foundation for collective efforts in the solution of a key problem in the Libyan settlement,” the ministry said. Russia, its international and regional partners “will work to ensure the fulfillment of this important decision of the UN Security Council,” it said.