Brussels, 07/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Thursday 6 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called for a political initiative and dialogue in Libya, underlining that the ongoing crisis needed a political solution. “Libya needs more than ever a strong, steady and common political initiative. The European Union continues to believe that dialogue, in whatever shape or form, remains crucial”, she said in a press release, stating that “the solution of the crisis requires a political settlement”. On 6 November, the Libyan supreme court invalidated the parliament resulting from the elections of 25 June. This parliament, which is recognised by the international community - including the EU - but contested by a coalition of militia, announced that it refused this verdict and would continue its work.
In Mogherini's view, it is “essential” that all parties cooperate with Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Bernardino Leon, “in finding urgent solutions to the increasingly dramatic situation Libya is facing today”. “All military operations must cease and all parties should refrain from taking any steps which further divide the country”, said Mogherini. Violent fighting continues to lead to the loss of lives in Benghazi - a city that the pro-government forces are trying to recapture.
Mogherini met Leon during the morning of 6 November. She reiterated the EU's support for his efforts and recalled that the EU remains committed to working alongside the UN.
The EU remains committed to assisting the Libyan people in finding political ways to solve the crisis and to ensure unity, governability and institution building for a future of peace and stability for all Libyans, Mogherini concluded. (CG)