Brussels, 14/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU delegation in Tripoli has expressed its “deep concern” on learning of the treatment meted out to people in Libya accused of Christian proselytism. The EU delegation is calling on the authorities of the country to comply with standards of international law and ensure “appropriate conditions” for prisoners. An official with the security services in Benghazi indicated on 1 March that around 50 Egyptian Christians suspected of proselytism had been arrested a few days earlier in this city in eastern Libya. According to a report by AFP, quoting a lawyer from the Coptic community, a Coptic Egyptian national arrested in Benghazi had been “tortured to death”. The EU says that it has been “encouraged” by progress made in Libya on the question of human rights but is, however, calling on the government to do more to ensure religious toleration. It underlined that “the freedom of religion and conviction is a universal human right that should be protected everywhere for everyone”.
With regard to relations with Libya, the Council of Ministers on Monday were swift to examine implementation of its January decision to send a “border management support mission” to the country. The political decision is expected to be confirmed next June, according to a timetable that still remains temporary. Adoption of practical measures will be announced on this date to “help the Libyan authorities enhance their capacity” for ensuring short-term border security. The mission will help “the putting into practice of a concept and integrated border management strategy in the long-term, including the necessary structures, in compliance with the priorities jointly decided with the Libyan authorities”.
This will involve a phased-in approach for which “the scope will be gradually extended”. The objective will include action in “different terrestrial, maritime and air aspects of border management”. The European mission will also ensure the coordination of decision-making and “operational conduct” regarding the management of immigration, human rights and reform of the rule of law in general. (FB/transl.fl)