What the new UN envoy to Libya should do first

If UN mediation in Libya is to progress, it must repair trust by making tangible changes to the process. In Al Monitor, Mustafa Fetouri argues that Martin Kobler, the new special representative, should be open to taking bold, new, and inclusive approaches to the composition of the proposed government, increase transparency and communication between the factions, and be supported by the full implementation of UN resolutions. Specifically:

Kobler must have the backing of the UN Security Council, particularly in reinforcing its resolutions concerning Libya adopted since 2011. Resolution1970 imposed an arms embargo on Libya and Resolution 2174 threatens punitive action against individuals and entities accused of committing crimes against civilians. The Security Council is supposed to publish a list of anyone in Libya suspected of violence resulting in civilian deaths, infrastructure destruction and displacement of thousands of Libyans. Yet nothing has been made public in the 15 months since the resolution passed. The council has on many occasions expressed its unreserved support for the UN-led political process in Libya, but all the talk has failed to convince the parties that it means business.Read more here.