Brussels, 31/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 31 March, the European Union used the written procedure to issue sanctions against three Libyan “spoilers” who are hindering the political process in the country, two European sources told this newsletter.
The sanctions - freezing of assets and a visa ban - are against the speaker of the Tripoli Parliament that is not recognised by the international community, Nouri Abou Sahmein, the head of the Tripoli government, Khalifa al-Ghweil, and the speaker of the Chamber of Representatives in Tobruk that is recognised by the international community, Aguila Saleh (see EUROPE 11477). This chamber has not yet voted confidence in the government of national unity that is backed by the international community.
The sources say the measures will come into force on Friday 1 April when the relevant legal paperwork is published in the EU's Official Journal.
The sanctions against these individuals have been under consideration since the beginning of the year, but it had not proved possible until now to achieve the unanimous vote needed to pass them. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)