Brussels, 15/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - “Gravely concerned” by the recent violent clashes in Tripoli, Libya, the European Union urged all sides, during the evening of Monday 14 July, “to cease violence immediately and to engage in meaningful dialogue”. The parties should “refrain from resorting to violence to pursue their objectives. Political divisions can only be addressed through a revitalised political dialogue”, stated the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton in a press release.
During the evening of 14 July, the airport of Libya's capital, Tripoli, was targeted by rocket fire. The airport had been closed on 13 July due to violent clashes between armed groups - clashes which are reported to have claimed the lives of at least six people and left around 20 wounded. On 14 July, the United Nations announced the temporary withdrawal of its staff from Libya for security reasons (and thus of its Misnul mission). Benghazi has also witnessed fresh violence - which has claimed the life of at least three people.
Ashton's spokesperson called for the new Council of Representatives to be convened “as soon as possible”, stating that the parliamentary elections of 25 June and the implementation of this Council “offer a window of opportunity to put the transition process back on track”.
“The EU trusts that the new parliament will be in a position to embody national consensus and play its role in forming a government with wide political support”, Ashton's spokesperson added. He reiterated that the EU remains “committed” to supporting the Libyan people to achieve their aspirations to live in a democratic, stable and prosperous country. (CG)