30/09/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 30 September, in light of what it says is the serous situation in Libya, the Council of the EU decided to extend for six months (until 31 March 2017) sanctions against - Aguila Salah Issa, chair of the Libyan Council of Deputies at the chamber of representatives (a parliament recognised by the international community that has not yet given a vote of confidence to the government of national unity); - Nuri Abu Sahmain, chair of the National General Congress that is not recognised by the international community; - Khalifa Ghwell, prime minister of the latter congress. The three individuals are blocking implementation of Libya’s political agreement of 17 December 2015 and formation of a national unity government, the Council of the EU states in a press release. The restrictions in question are a freeze on assets and a travel ban, which were first introduced on 31 March 2016 (see EUROPE 11522). (CG)