Brussels, 05/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 5 June, the G7 leaders expressed their “grave concern” at the recent episodes of violence in Libya, where a member of the Red Cross was killed on 4 June. They called on “all Libyans to engage with the political process through peaceful and inclusive means, underpinned by respect for the rule of law”, and welcomed the proposal by the High National Electoral Commission, endorsed by the General National Congress, to convene the elections on 25 June. “We emphasise the importance of these elections in restarting the political process and appreciate the work of the Constitution Drafting Committee”, the G7 leaders stressed.
Whilst calling for full respect for Libya's sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention in Libyan affairs, the G7 called upon the international community to continue to support the Libyan transition in a “coordinated way” and to support the country's efforts to promote political dialogue, in coordination with the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to fulfil its mandate in that respect. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called for an increased role for the UN and its special envoys.
“We reaffirm our support for a free, prosperous and democratic Libya which will play its role in promoting regional stability”, the leaders stated. “Libya is a key place to anyone who has the security and prosperity of the whole of Europe at heart”, Renzi reiterated. (CG with MB)