Strasbourg, 14/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 13 January, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini was ready to bring “useful and rational” assistance to Libya, which is currently in the throes of violence, and she underlined the importance of the dialogue between the Libyan parties - a dialogue which was resumed on 14 January, in Geneva. “We are ready to help the Libyans (…) We have the instrument but the decision must be taken by the Libyans themselves. There must be a joint commitment. There is no alternative - otherwise Libya will come close to total collapse and we can't allow it”, she said at a debate in the European Parliament.
Mogherini stated that the situation in Libya would be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 January. The ministers will review the discussions in Geneva “to see what we can do, should there be positive development, or should there be a total lack of positive development - what instrument to use to exert pressure or to work on implementing the United Nations resolutions that have not yet been implemented”, she said. Some of these resolutions put sanctions in place. “If there is a beginning of reconciliation or a ceasefire, the EU will be able to take measures to monitor progress on the ground”, said Mogherini, adding that the EU should also think about reviewing the mandate of the EUBAM Libya civilian mission, which expires in May 2015.
While the EU is ready to provide aid, the country's future is in the hands of the Libyans. “It is up to the Libyans to define the scenario”, said Mogherini. “A clear message must be sent stating that [the meeting in Geneva] is the last chance for dialogue. We can't miss it. Everything now needs to be done to avoid the worst scenario”, she added. Mogherini said she believed that the dialogue in Geneva was “a unique opportunity to give the country a future and put an end to the violence”.
MEPs pessimistic. During the debate, MEPs spoke of their concerns about the situation and gave their support to the dialogues. Underlining an urgent risk of reaching “the point of no return” in the dialogue between the parties to the conflict, Mariya Gabriel (EPP, Bulgaria) warned against a “'bis repetita' Syria situation”. She called for a ceasefire and for a roadmap to be drawn up. “While time is precious, it's all the more important to use the time we have available to prevent the complete dilution of the Libyan state. The authorities of this state are virtually non-functioning and we are coming close to a 'failed state' situation”, said Victor Bostinaru (S&D, Romania). Fernando Maura-Barandiaran (ALDE, Spain) was equally pessimistic. “The situation in Libya is reaching the point of no return. The negotiation in Geneva is the last chance for the factions to agree on a ceasefire and a national unity government (…) If there is no progress in Geneva, the country and the region run the risk of falling into the most serious chaos”, he said. Like several of his colleagues, he believed that this would create the conditions for a terrorist group to develop, including Islamic State.
A resolution on the situation will be put to the vote on Thursday 15 January. (CG)