Brussels, 07/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union wants a stable government in Libya, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, on 6 May, at a time when the appointment of Libya's new prime minister, Ahmed Maiteg, is causing controversy. “The EU understands that certain legal questions have been raised around this appointment. Consequently, it will refrain from commenting until the situation is entirely clarified”, Mann added. The General National Congress elected Maiteg on 4 May, but the acting president then declared the ballot illegal after a dispute on the procedure. Mann stated that “the EU respects Libyan sovereignty and any process that is in line with the democratic procedures and legal requirements in force”.
Mann also stated that the European Union would support all efforts to establish a stable government that has the support of the Libyan people. Maiteg is the fifth prime minister to be appointed in two and a half years.
EU condemns violence. Elsewhere, the European Union condemned “the ongoing attacks by terrorist groups or organisations targeting Libya's legitimate security forces in Benghazi” after fresh clashes between special forces soldiers and police, and the supporters of Ansar Al-Sharia on 2 May. Ten military and police officers were reportedly killed and 28 wounded, while three special forces soldiers captured during the fights were later found killed, and 27 supporters - including eight foreigners (Algerians, Syrians and Yemeni) - were also reportedly killed in the attack on the directorate of the national security building in Benghazi.
“These attacks undermine the revolution for which Libyans fought so dearly, and jeopardise Libya's transition to a truly sovereign, free, democratic and prosperous state in which all Libyans can participate”, Mann criticised. “Violence and acts of terrorism, no matter the grievances against which they are directed, are never acceptable tools for achieving political aims”, he added.
“We urge all Libyans to support the transition to democracy according to the principles they fought for in the February 17 revolution”, Mann said.
The EU hailed the beginning of the Assembly's work on drafting the constitution, and said that it remained committed in its support for Libya and the Libyan institutions “in this difficult phase”. (CG)