During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord Fayez el-Sarraj on Monday, 18 May, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell reiterated the importance of putting an end to the fighting, agreeing on a lasting ceasefire, and resuming political negotiations (see EUROPE 12485/16).
According to the press release issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 19 May, Mr Borrell incidentally commended Mr el-Sarraj for his government’s openness to actively participate in the Berlin process (see EUROPE 12407/1).
The head of European diplomacy also expressed his concern about the escalation of fighting in and around Tripoli and the increased bombing of densely populated residential areas (see EUROPE 12483/27).
“He underlined the EU’s continued firm commitment to a political solution to the Libyan crisis through the implementation of the Berlin Conference conclusions”, clarified the EEAS, explaining that the High Representative had reminded the Prime Minister of the EU’s active engagement to advance towards that objective.
The EEAS reiterates that one of the EU’s contributions is Operation Irini, which aims to monitor compliance with the arms embargo on Libya. This operation has been repeatedly criticised by Mr el-Sarraj, who believes that it favours his rival, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar (see EUROPE 12483/29). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)