Brussels, 29/08/2011 (Agence Europe) - As the Gaddafi era comes to an end, the European Commission deployed a multi-sectoral team of humanitarian experts and opened a humanitarian office in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Monday 29 August to ensure that the pre-positioned humanitarian aid is delivered speedily to those in need.
Two days earlier, the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the European Union - the “Cairo Group” - called on all parties to respect international humanitarian and international human rights obligations and not to engage in any reprisals. Speaking on Friday 26 August after the representatives discussed the situation in Libya via videoconference, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said: “Libya is now embarking on a historic transition process that should be based upon the respect for democratic values and human rights. Colonel Gaddafi must avoid further bloodshed by relinquishing power and calling on those forces that continue to fight to lay down their arms and protect civilians. Today, under UN leadership, we agreed to call on all parties to respect international humanitarian and international human rights obligations. There should be no reprisals.” (A.N./transl.rt)