EU Foreign Ministers, meeting today in Luxembourg for a Foreign Affairs Council, expressed their concern at the situation in Libya and its impact on the civilian population, strongly condemned the ongoing violence and human rights abuses and urged all parties to urgently observe an unconditional ceasefire. “Only a political solution can provide a sustainable way forward and contribute to peace and stability in Libya,” said the Council conclusions.
The Council expressed the EU’s full support to the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to secure a negotiated settlement and the work of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and welcomed the UN facilitated dialogue between members of the House of Representatives initiated in Ghadames on 29 September and continued in Tripoli on 11 October.
Ministers welcomed the agreements reached so far and called upon all parties to respect and implement them and to remain constructively engaged in this political process, while the EU and Member States are exploring with UNSMIL ways to support the confidence building measures.
The Council stressed that the EU underscores the legitimacy of the House of Representatives as the sole legislative authority in Libya. It urges Libya's government and all elected members of the House of Representatives to reach out to all parties and engage constructively in an inclusive political dialogue, and encourages the Constitutional Drafting Assembly to continue its work on a constitutional text that will enshrine and protect the rights of all Libyans.
Ministers called the international community to act in a united manner and encouraged the efforts of Libya’s neighbours and partners, stressing that they should feed into the overall UN-led mediation process
The Council called on all parties in Libya to ensure the protection of civilians and the facilitation of assistance to people in need. The EU has immediately mobilised funds to address the most pressing needs, but the rapidly declining conditions will require additional international support to respond to the displacement and needs of the affected population.
The Council stressed the EU’s readiness to implement the UN Security Council resolution 2174 in order to address threats to Libya’s peace and stability, including violations of the arms embargo. It called on all Libyans to unite in the fight against terrorism. “Libya will only stand a chance to address this threat, weapon proliferation and trafficking, if all armed forces come under the control of one central authority which reports to a democratic and inclusive parliament,” said the conclusions.
Ministers reiterated the EU’s commitment to continue supporting Libya in sectors like security, migration, civil society, protection of vulnerable groups and promotion of human rights. The EU stands ready to assist Libya in the field of border management, including as already being provided through EUBAM.
(Source: EU Neighbourhood Info)
