On the evening of Tuesday 9 April, the European External Action Service spokesperson underlined the EU's "unreserved" support for negotiations between the Libyan parties following the postponement of the National Conference, which was announced earlier in the day by the Special Representative for Libya, Ghassan Salamé. It was initially scheduled to be held from 14 to 16 April in Ghadames (see EUROPE 12230/14).
The delay is due to the deterioration of the security situation. At least 47 people have been killed and nearly 200 injured since Marshal Haftar's offensive against Tripoli began on 4 April.
"The European Union fully supports and shares the call" from Mr Salamé "for all parties to agree on an immediate ceasefire, to allow humanitarian access and return to the negotiating table", the spokesperson announced in a statement.
"We remain fully committed to supporting the UN’s work in Libya, including the organisation of the National Conference as soon as conditions allow", she said.
According to the spokesperson, the EU will continue to reach out to all relevant parties and regional players "to help deliver on a peaceful transition responsibly and in the interest of all Libyans".
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 8 April, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, stressed that the EU expected all parties and regional players to avoid further military escalation, calling for an immediate cessation of all military activities (see EUROPE 12231/1).
In a statement announcing the cancellation of the National Conference on 9 April, Mr Salamé said that extensive consultations with groups and constituencies throughout Libya had been ongoing for over a year and a half in preparation for this conference. He said, however, that "the serious developments on the ground must be treated with the responsibility and time they require". Mr Salamé warned against "wasting the historic opportunity of the conference" and stressed that he was "more determined than ever" to hold the conference "at the earliest possible opportunity". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)