Brussels, 25/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - The president of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Maghreb countries, Antonio Panzeri (S&D, Italy) has asserted in a declaration that “the European Union must prevent Libya being transformed into an Afghanistan on its doorstep”. In this declaration he also points out that “the situation in Libya requires emergency European action”.
According to Panzeri, there is a risk of civil war. He says that “violence must be firmly condemned and the EU, in collaboration with the whole international community, must intervene to halt the repression occurring in the country, encouraging the implementation of a democratic process to ensure the creation of a genuine rule of law which guarantees the freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate”. Panzeri also states that “in such a context, I am delighted that negotiations on the agreement between the EU and Libya, as well as the memorandum of understanding between Libya and the European Commission, have been suspended, but cooperation and arms supplies should also be blocked through an international arms embargo on Libya”. On the risk of a huge influx of migrants, the MEP says that “new operational and strategic solidarity measures urgently require definition by member states”. Finally, he declares that “the specific situation in Libya, compared to other North African countries, makes all support measures for the democratic transition in Libya crucial”. (F.B./transl.fl)