Brussels, 01/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has decided to relocate its international staff in Tripoli temporarily to Tunisia, announced Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, on Thursday 31 July. International staff from the EU delegation and EUBAM crossed the border with Tunisia on 31 July - although local staff remain in Tripoli. “This measure is in line with the decision which has been already adopted by a majority of EU member states, the UN mission and other partners with diplomatic presence in Tripoli, like the US and Turkey”, Mann stated (see EUROPE 11130).
Mann said that the EU stood ready to move its international staff back to Tripoli “as soon as conditions allow” and that, in the meantime, the EU international staff would continue to work from Tunisia. “Administrative and functional activities will continue to be ensured by local staff”, he added.
Stating that the EU would persist in its efforts for the end of the ongoing violence in the country, Mann said that the EU appealed to all sides “to demonstrate willingness to compromise”. He added that the EU hoped “that all parties will agree to enter into an inclusive political dialogue”, and said that in this regard the Council of Representatives must have the opportunity to convene according to the timetable set out in the law. “This should take place in the next days”, he added. “We encourage the Council of Representatives to carry out its tasks in a spirit of inclusiveness, moderation and in the interest of the country”, Mann stated. (CG)