Brussels, 18/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 December, the European heads of state or government welcomed the Libyan political agreement signed the day before for the formation of a government of national unity (see EUROPE 11456). In their conclusions, the European leaders describe the agreement as an “important stage” and call on all parties which have not yet done so to join the process. They also stress that they are prepared to help the government of national unity once it is in place. David Cameron, the British prime minister, said that it is important that “we all stand in favour of a strong, stable and inclusive government in these countries (Libya and Syria)”.
Via its High Representative, EU welcomes “historic step”
On the evening of 17 December, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, welcomed the signature of this agreement on behalf the European Union. “A historic step has been taken today towards restoring peace and stability for the Libyan people”, she said in a declaration. She went on to say that the signature of the political agreement by the representatives of the members of the House of Representatives and General National Congress, Independents, Municipalities, political parties and civil society “paves the way to a peaceful solution to a terrible crisis that has divided, impoverished and inflicted so much suffering on the Libyan people, and which poses a growing threat not just to Libya itself but also to its neighbours, including the EU”.
In the view of the EU, this process must remain in the hands of the Libyans. “It is important to keep it open and inclusive”, Mogherini adds. “The responsibility lies with the Libyans for the successful implementation of the agreement and the EU, and the international community stand ready to support them in this endeavour”, she reiterates. Once again, the EU pledged its promise of support to the forthcoming government of national unity and stresses that it is prepared to offer “immediate and substantial” support in a number of different areas to be decided upon with the Libyan authorities. An aid envelope of €100 million is already available, including for the delivery of services the Libyan population urgently needs, Mogherini said.
The EU will have no more official contact with individuals claiming to be involved in institutions which have not been validated by the political agreement in Libya, the high representative said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant and Lionel Changeur)