UN Security Council renews Libya mission, Western Sahara resolution fails after Russian veto

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UN Security Council on Friday renewed the mandate of its support mission in Libya for another year, then rejected a US-drafted resolution on the Western Sahara region after Russia used its veto.

The Libya resolution, put forward by the UK, passed 13-0, with Russia and Greece abstaining. It extends the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and backs efforts to move the country toward elections, reunify state institutions, and establish a unified executive authority.

The US welcomed the vote, saying Libya is facing a “historic opportunity” and stressing the need for a single government and unified security institutions. Washington also warned that those who deliberately obstruct Libya's political transition could face consequences.

Russia abstained, saying UNSMIL still has an important role to play but cautioning against rushing the political process or imposing solutions from abroad.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said agreements reached through the recent political process still need wider support among Libyan stakeholders.

The council then turned to Western Sahara, where a US-drafted resolution received 11 votes in favor, three abstentions, and one against with Russia's veto.

The resolution sought to reshape the UN's approach to the long-running dispute and advance a political settlement. US Ambassador Mike Waltz argued that repeated efforts to hold a referendum had failed for decades and said maintaining the status quo was no longer acceptable.

He said Washington supports self-determination but believes there are other ways to achieve it, while urging the parties to move toward a lasting political agreement.

Western Sahara remains a key issue in North African diplomacy. Morocco has proposed broad autonomy for the territory under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front continues to seek a referendum on self-determination, a position supported by Algeria.

The dispute over Western Sahara dates back to 1975, when Spain ended its colonial rule of the territory. It escalated into armed conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front until a 1991 ceasefire.

Berk Kutay Gökmen