UN SC supports Russian initiative on Libya

The UN Security Council has adopted a Russian-drafted resolution calling on Libya’s new authorities to prevent the spread of weapons from Muammar Gaddafi’s arsenals. It is the second Russian-drafted resolution passed by the UN Security Council.

Russia warned that the weaponry from Gaddafi’s stockpile, especially portable surface-to-air missile systems and chemical weapons, could “leak out” of the country. According to media, some 20 thousand portable surface-to-air missile systems and missiles are reported to be held in Gaddafi’s arsenals. Several previously undeclared chemical weapons sites were reportedly located last week. The chances that portable surface-to-air missile systems and chemical weapons could end up in the hands of terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, are considered high enough by experts.

The new resolution calls upon the Libyan authorities and neighboring states to take necessary measures to prevent arms proliferation. UN member-states are also requested to assist in achieving this goal.

The resolution was adopted unanimously. Russia succeeded in drawing the attention of the global community and the antiterrorist bodies to the new danger posed by the situatuion in Libya.