16. Progress in integrating revolutionary fighters into the police and the Libyan army remains very limited, as is their reintegration into civilian life. In an attempt to encourage revolutionaries to enlist in the army, and to improve the salary scale for current uniformed personnel, the Government recently announced an increase in salaries for the military, effective from January 2014. The Government has also announced that it is moving forward with the training of twelve to fifteen thousand soldiers outside of Libya. Restructuring the army and addressing the inflated ranks of the officer corps, is an urgent priority. The Libyan police continue to integrate individuals from the armed brigades. Some are already enlisted and many more are in the vetting and enrolment process.
17. The Government’s preoccupation with the deteriorating security situation and the increasing divisions among political groups and revolutionary brigades have all inhibited the development of a solid, coordinated and effective national security system.
Mr. President,
18. When I last briefed the Council in June, I alluded to the enormous difficulties confronted in the aftermath of four decades of despotic rule. Next month marks the two-year anniversary since the fall of the authoritarian regime. It is more evident today that pre-conceived ideas about political transition are likely to be a recipe for disappointment, if not failure. Free and fair elections may have augured a democratic process but they raised more expectations than what the political institutions and forces have been capable of meeting.
19. Today, there is a sense of skepticism, and perhaps of rejection, with which the Libyan people view the political process. But this should not be mistaken for a loss of faith in national unity, democracy and the rule of law. Their commitment to the principles for which they fought their revolution remains deep. The Libyan experience has demonstrated the urgency of an inclusive dialogue and consensus-building on national priorities during the transition period as well as regarding guiding principles, norms of governance and basic rules of political action.
Mr. President,
20. In response to the increasing demand across the political spectrum, for a national dialogue that can address the country’s faltering transition, the Libyan authorities agreed on preparing and convening this dialogue. A national dialogue would provide a platform for engaging political, revolutionary, traditional and other actors in discussing urgent national issues and seeking consensus on strategies, as well as basic principles, that ought to govern political life in the transitional period until the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of new elections.