The EU appreciates United Nations Special Representative Ghassan Salamé's approach to a solution to the Libyan crisis that must be political and come from the Libyans themselves, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said on 21 September in meetings at the UN General Assembly.
"We strongly believe the main responsibility is with the Libyans who have to decide on their future," the High Representative said. "On our side, as the international community, as Europeans, we have a duty to make every effort to accompany such a process," she added.
The EU expertise is being put to the service of the Libyan people for Libya's recovery, working together with Libyans and international partners to move the out of the war economy and reap the economic benefits of peace.
"It is urgent to improve the living conditions of Libyans, but also the credibility of the new Libyan institutions at all levels. For us, economic and social action inside Libya is crucial," the High Representative said.
The EU is Libya's main economic partner, but also the main humanitarian donor because improving humanitarian conditions in the country continues to be a top priority.
"This is about Libyan citizens," Mogherini said. "But this is also about thousands of African men and women, brothers and sisters, who are currently inside the country in terrible conditions."
The High Representative said that the living conditions inside detention centres are completely unacceptable and the EU believes these centres should be closed. That is why the EU has significantly strengthened its cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) over the last year to help them access the centres and provide much-needed help.
"At the same time, we are working to create sustainable alternatives, new opportunities for migrants to go back to their homes and for the refugees to reach safe places, including in Europe."
Mogherini held several meetings with UN Special Representative Salamé as well as Libyan Prime Minister Serraj. Today, the High Representative attended a Libya Quartet meeting to coordinate steps and make sure that Europeans, Arabs, and Africans all push in the same direction in the framework of the United Nations.
(Source: European External Action Service)
