Brussels, 26/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 24 May, the European Union underlined the importance of inclusive political dialogue in Libya, encouraging all parties to cooperate actively with the United Nations Special Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) “in particular to reach an agreement on a political roadmap for the transition process”. “The UN has a central role to play in coordinating international efforts in support of the political process on the ground”, the EU stated in a press release. “In this framework, we call on all parties to create an environment conducive for holding parliamentary elections as soon as possible”, it added, stating that the process leading to a peaceful transition of power should be based upon broad consensus, avoiding any step that could hamper this process.
Deeply concerned by repeated acts of violence and the security conditions, the EU called on all sides to refrain from the use of force and “to address differences by political means”. It reiterated its “condemnation of terrorism in all its forms” and underlined its support for the fight against terrorism with full respect of human rights and rule of law.
“Libya is at a highly critical stage in its transition which it can successfully face through a constructive political engagement based on nationally agreed principles in order to achieve the goals of the 17 February revolution: fostering the rule of law, the respect of human rights and the welfare of its citizens. Otherwise it could face the threat of chaos, fragmentation, violence and terrorism”, the EU warned.
The EU announced that it would continue “to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation as key to the stabilisation process”, in the national interest of Libya and in the interest of the security of the region. The spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said on 23 May that Ashton is in contact with her partners and has asked the EU special envoy for Libya, Bernardino Leon (who left for Libya over the weekend), to seek solutions to the current crisis, in close cooperation with the United Nations and the international community - including other special envoys to Libya. Leon's presence at this difficult juncture bears witness to the EU's commitment to the stabilisation of Libya and to the EU's determination to work tirelessly to preserve the transition process, said Ashton's spokesperson. (CG)