Brussels, 20/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is “deeply concerned about the significant deterioration of both the political and security situation in Libya”, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, on Monday 19 May. The previous day, an armed group attacked the Libyan Parliament, demanding its suspension.
Deploring the loss of life in Tripoli and Benghazi after the recent violent episodes in both cities, the EU has called on “all parties to avoid further bloodshed and refrain from further violence”, said Mann. He recalled once more “the urgent need for all parties to work jointly to forge broad consensus on management of the transitional period in order to ensure a successful transition to a stable democracy”. On 16 May, a retired general launched an operation in Benghazi against Islamist groups, and clashes claimed at least 79 lives and left around 150 wounded. Clashes in the south of Tripoli on 19 May reportedly left two dead and around 50 injured.
The recently appointed EU special envoy for Libya, Bernardino Leon (see EUROPE 11076), who was due to visit the country on 19 May, has had to postpone his trip due to the clashes and the resulting closure of the airport. “Bernardino Leon will reschedule his mission” said the European External Action Service (EEAS), without giving any further detail.
Mann also underlined the EU's commitment to support the Libyan people to achieve the ongoing democratic political transition. The EEAS told EUROPE that security “is clearly the key question”. The EU is helping Libya with the civil EUBAM mission (€30 million in 2013) and also with the support programme for security and justice (€10 million), which helps strengthen democracy, good governance and civil culture in the areas of security and justice. Other programmes include the objective of building the ability of the Libyan authorities to identify security threats and to investigate criminal and terrorist activity. Over the last three years, the EU has supplied technical and financial assistance to help with the transition. The total aid amounts to €130 million and, in addition to security, supports the public administration, the democratic transition, help for civil society organisations, health, training and education, and migration. (CG)