Brussels, 17/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 16 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini reiterated the EU's strong support to the UN's efforts to bring together the key stakeholders in a dialogue on Libya's future. She therefore endorsed the efforts of Bernardino Leon, special representative to the UN Secretary General, to take the Ghadames process forward. “There is no alternative to a political solution based on dialogue, respect and trust”, she said.
The Ghadames process was due to resume on 16 December (after initially being due to recommence on 9 December - see EUROPE 11210). The EU also hailed the engagement of the parties that responded positively to the UN initiative.
EU threatens sanctions. On behalf of the EU, Mogherini called for restraint from all sides and backed the UN's call for a ceasefire “so as to give the necessary space for inclusive national dialogue”. “Those who are undermining prospects for a political solution risk tipping Libya into full civil war. They must face consequences for their actions”, Mogherini warned. She added that the EU's “strong” commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Libya, and the need to prevent the spread of terrorism, meant that it remained “ready to consider further actions, including restrictive measures, should the circumstances so require”. The UN Security Council should also take measures against those obstructing dialogue, Mogherini added.
The EU therefore condemned “the violence which weighs heavily on the civilian population and undermines the prospects for a peaceful negotiated settlement”, and stated that the recent military actions were “of particular concern”.
Concerned about the negative impact of the situation in Libya on other countries, Mogherini called on “all those with an interest in the stability of Libya to support the process constructively”. (CG)