Foreign ministers of the European Union Member States called for calm in Libya and for the resumption of negotiations for a political agreement on Monday, 13 May.
“The EU urges all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to cooperate with the United Nations to ensure a full cessation of hostilities”, they stressed in a joint statement that incorporates the main elements developed in a declaration by the Twenty-eight on 11 April (see EUROPE 12235/13).
“There must be an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, possibly under international supervision, since that is what [the Libyan Prime Minister] Fayez el-Sarraj wants”, French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian summarised. The UN Special Envoy, Ghassan Salamé, who came to meet with the ministers, also called for a ceasefire with international civilian supervision, while the battle lines of the opposing forces were getting close.
Recalling that the Libyan National Army's military offensive on Tripoli and the subsequent escalation in and around the capital constitute a threat to international security and peace and further undermine the stability of the country, the ministers warned that this “increases the risk of a terrorist threat throughout the country”. Diplomatic leaders are also asking the parties to dissociate themselves from terrorist and criminal elements involved in the fighting and from those suspected of war crimes.
In addition, civilians, including migrants, must be protected and the delivery of aid and humanitarian services must be facilitated safely, quickly and unhindered, the statement added. “Indiscriminate attacks on densely populated residential areas can constitute war crimes”, claimed the ministers, warning again that those who violate international humanitarian law will be held accountable.
They also urged all parties to re-engage in the UN-facilitated political dialogue and work towards a political solution. “We must return to the political process, which was quite close to a positive outcome at the Abu Dhabi meeting [in February]; we must build on this foundation”, Mr Le Drian said.
Diplomatic leaders call on all parties to respect the arms embargo, refrain from any action that would undermine the political process and cooperate constructively with Mr Salamé. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)