The Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, sent a letter to the President of the Security Council expressing his deep concern about the selection process of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Mission, Hanna Tetteh.
Nebenzya said that the Secretary-General informed the Security Council of Tetteh’s nomination at the last minute without prior consultation with Council members, “which gives the impression of an artificial deadline and limits the ability of delegations to adequately study the appointment.”
The letter stressed that those steps were taken without consulting the Libyan side or obtaining its explicit approval, noting that this contradicted the procedures followed in the Council and could negatively affect the spirit of cooperation in the decision-making process, and potentially undermine confidence in the Secretary-General’s appointments.
Nebenzya has said that the mandate of the UN mission will end on 31 January 2024, unless a new Special Representative is appointed, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2755 (2024). He called for more clarity on the selection process, including information on all candidates considered for selection, their qualifications and relevant experience, as well as the reasons for excluding other candidates.
Nebenzya concluded his letter by requesting that it be circulated as an official document of the Security Council, stressing the importance of transparency in the appointment process to enable members to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
