PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXVI) Page 1 PRESS STATEMENT The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 436th meeting held on 23 May 2014, was briefed by the Commission on the evolving political and security situation in Libya. Council also listened to the statement made by the representative of Libya. Council expressed deep concern at the prevailing situation in Libya, marked by a proliferation of armed militias that continue to undermine security, weaken state authority and impede economic recovery, as well as by escalating violence since the launching, on 16 May 2014, by military figures, of an offensive code-named “Operation Dignity”, with the stated aim of freeing the country from extremist and terrorist groups. Council strongly condemned all acts of violence in Libya, and called on those concerned to refrain from any further action likely to aggravate the situation. Council also expressed deep concern at the increasing political and regional polarization in Libya. Council noted the resulting negative impact on the functioning of the transitional institutions and the conduct of the transition, which was initially scheduled to end in February 2014. Council stressed the far-reaching consequences of continued insecurity and instability for Libya and its people, as well as for the region as a whole and the rest of the continent. Against this background, Council strongly appealed to all Libyan stakeholders to put the supreme interest of their country above any other consideration, resolutely commit themselves to settle their differences through peaceful means and embark upon the path of national reconciliation, in fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of their people to democracy, the rule of law and socio-economic wellbeing. Council urged them to work together towards the early and successful conclusion of the current transition, in particular through the holding of the legislative elections now slated for 25 June 2014 and the finalization of the work of the Constituent Assembly which was elected on 20 February 2014. Council expressed its support to the interim Government and urged it to spare no efforts towards the early resolution of the current crisis. In this respect, Council welcomed the 10-point crisis exit plan submitted by the Government on 19 May 2014, which provides a viable basis for a consensual way out of the crisis. Council reiterated AU’s continued commitment and readiness to support the efforts of the Libyan people and Government to complete in earnest their democratic transition. Council encouraged the Chairperson of the Commission to urgently appoint a special Envoy who would undertake consultations with the Libyan authorities and other relevant stakeholders, as well as with the countries of the region, with the view to submitting to it a comprehensive report on the situation, including concrete recommendations on how best the AU can further support the stabilization process in Libya and the early completion of the current transition. Council agreed to review that report at a ministerial meeting to be convened as soon as possible. Council requested the Commission to keep it regularly informed of the evolution of the situation and related AU’s efforts.