“Mr. Leon brings to this position many years of political and diplomatic experience with his national government and with the European Union," Ban said on Thursday.
Leon, who served as the EU's special envoy for Libya, will replace Tarek Mitri of Lebanon on September 1, as the new head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
On August 12, the UNSMIL condemned the battles in the Libyan capital Tripoli, which continue despite repeated international calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The UN mission said in a statement that it “deplores the rise in the number of civilian casualties,” and expressed deep concern about the displacement of thousands of families.
The UNSMIL also voiced concern over the shortages of medical supplies and the halt to Libya’s economic activity, which is driven in part by the huge destruction of residences and infrastructure.
Nearly three years after the fall of slain ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, in a popular uprising in October 2011, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militant groups.
The former rebels refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.
Libyan demonstrators frequently take to the streets in different cities to protest against the lack of security across the North African country.
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