On Monday 9 July, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said at the end of his visit to Libya that it was "imperative" that the country follow the path towards elections.
"It is now imperative for Libya to firmly follow the path towards elections. These are essential steps for the future of this country", he said in a press release. "We want elections to be held in Libya, serving as the starting point for reconciliation and common efforts based on democratic consolidation, proceeding towards economic stability and support for reconstruction", he said. At the end of May, the main Libyan actors committed to holding parliamentary and presidential elections on 10 December (see EUROPE 12030). According to Tajani, in agreement with the leader of the Libyan electoral commission, the European Parliament is ready to provide all the assistance needed for the proper conduct of the elections.
Tajani announced the holding of a working day on Libya, at the European Parliament in Brussels on 10 October, in agreement with Libya's Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and to be attended by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. "This meeting will bring together all the parties interested in the various sectors of cooperation and in the organisation of future democratic elections in Libya", he said.
During his visit to Libya, Tajani reiterated the importance of strengthening relations between the EU and Libya, calling for the two parties to work together to promote more economic growth and security for the Libyan people, and for the country's institutions, public services and health services to be strengthened. The fight against illegal migration is another area for work, with Tajani believing it important to "intensify the untiring struggle against human traffickers and arms-smugglers" (see EUROPE 12043). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)