The European Union and its Member States warmly welcomed on Sunday 25 October the signing of a Ceasefire Agreement by the Libyan representatives of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in Geneva on 23 October, calling for its full and immediate implementation (see EUROPE 12588/14).
This immediate, complete, permanent and countrywide Ceasefire Agreement is a “crucial step” and the result of months of intense regional and international efforts, initiated in the framework of the Berlin Process, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed in a statement on behalf of the EU.
The agreement includes other measures, including the resumption of transport connections between the different Libyan regions and confidence-building measures, such as a comprehensive process of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), “critical for the return of security and stability in Libya”, including the withdrawal within 90 days of all foreign fighters and mercenaries, the High Representative added.
Europeans encouraged all international and regional actors to unequivocally support Libya’s efforts, to refrain from foreign interference in the conflict and to put an end to the violations of the arms embargo. All foreign fighters and mercenaries should withdraw immediately and any foreign intervention is “unacceptable”, Mr Borrell insisted.
For its part, the EU is ready to support the implementation of the agreement through “concrete actions” in accordance with the UN Security Council decisions, the High Representative promised, without giving details.
According to Europeans, these “positive” security developments on the ground will pave the way for the relaunch of an inclusive political process in Libya. “The European Union and its Member States look forward to a successful Political Dialogue Forum later this month and will continue to support UNSMIL in order to bring about a peaceful solution to the longstanding Libyan conflict in the interest of the Libyan population”, the High Representative added, warning that the EU had an “instrument of sanctions against possible spoilers”.
After a first virtual meeting on 26 October, the Political Forum is expected to hold its first face-to-face meeting on 9 November. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)