Brussels, 11/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 March, the EU foreign affairs ministers could reach an agreement for the EU to take restrictive measures against three Libyan political leaders accused of hampering the peace process.
The three political leaders are: Nouri Abu-Sahmein, the leader of the parliament in Tripoli, who is not recognised by the international community; Khalifa al-Ghweil, the head of the Tripoli government; and Aguila Saleh, the leader of the chamber of representatives in Tobruk, who is, however, recognised by the international community (see EUROPE 11477).
A European source nevertheless stated that this decision of the Council of the EU still depended on discussions which are ongoing with the Libyan parties. Indeed, on Thursday 10 March negotiations were organised by United Nations Special Envoy Martin Kobler to try and reach an agreement on a government of national unity. According to the results obtained, “the ministers will discuss the subject of sanctions (…) so that the Libyan leaders who show their disruptive and harmful capacity might be sanctioned, including in an autonomous European framework”, this source stated.
Although “one or two” member states are still reported to have doubts, there is not, however, “big opposition” to such a decision from the Council, according to several diplomatic sources. “The three big member states”, in other words, France, the UK and Germany, are said to be in favour of these measures. “On the issue of sanctions, except with one or two exceptions, there have never been fundamental disagreements on the principle of sanctions. Where we have stumbled is on the timetable”, a diplomat stated. Should there be disagreement on Monday, the sanctions could be officially adopted by the end of March.
The ministers will discuss the situation in Libya over lunch with Kobler on Monday. This discussion will also provide the opportunity for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to inform the ministers about the EUNAVFOR Med Sophia naval operation and the state of progress in the EU's possible support to Libya, once the government of national unity has been set up. This support to the Libyan authorities could take the form of a civilian mission as part of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) so as to contribute to the reform of the security sector. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)