Brussels, 09/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming the holding of a UN-facilitated Libyan political dialogue process - a process that must be as inclusive as possible, the EU foreign affairs ministers underlined their readiness on Monday 9 February to help in this process, which High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini described as “small but encouraging”.
“The EU is willing to contribute to the confidence building measures as agreed in the Geneva talks and it is exploring with the UN support mission in Libya (UNSMIL) how to assist the UN in the different dialogue tracks envisaged for the process”, the EU ministers state in their conclusions. The Council called on those who have not yet done so to participate in the discussions, and encouraged the regional partners and neighbours to engage constructively to support the UN coordination efforts.
“We must do our utmost to ensure that what is happening in Syria is not repeated in Libya”, said Luxembourg's foreign minister Jean Asselborn, adding that “the EU should push for dialogue”.
The ministers also reaffirmed their resolve to introduce restrictive measures “as soon as it is deemed necessary and in full coordination” with UN Special Representative Bernardino Leon - restrictive measures against those who threaten peace, stability and security in Libya, or who undermine its political transition - in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2174. The EU will continue to support the key Libyan institutions, such as the High National Electoral Commission and the Constitutional Drafting Assembly, the ministers added. “The independence and proper functioning of the Central Bank of Libya, National Oil Corporation and other key financial institutions must be preserved and protected”, the ministers stated, condemning the actions against Libya's national assets, financial institutions and natural resources.
Reiterating that there was no “military solution” to the conflict in Libya, the ministers underlined that “only a political solution can provide a sustainable way forward and contribute to peace and stability in Libya”. “It is critical at this stage to have an unconditional ceasefire that is respected and upheld by all sides”, they added. The Council expressed its “profound concern at the continued violence”. It condemned terrorism in all its forms, saying it was concerned by evidence of the increased activity of terrorist and extremist groups. The Council recognises the potential threat that these groups represent for the future stability of the country, of the region and of the EU.
In the view of the EU - which strongly condemns all human rights violations - the cooperation of all relevant actors in Libya with the International Criminal Court is of “crucial importance”. The EU ministers also called on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and the facilitation of assistance to people in need by ensuring safe, unhindered and timely humanitarian access and the security of humanitarian aid workers. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)