Sant warns against sanctions on Libyans who fail to deliver unity

Labour MEP Alfred Sant warned that imposing sanctions on Libyan parties who fail to deliver on a national unity government would be a bad decision.

“Allowing more time to truly find a lasting solution by which to establish a Libyan national unity administration is a risk we must take,” the former Prime Minister said during a European Parliament plenary debate on the war-torn North African country. “Whether in good or bad faith, the Libyans must decide the future of their people. Imposing sanctions against those who fail to deliver unity now is a bad decision, especially if taken independently of the United Nations system. That will serve to kindle the suspicion of the Libyan people in European intentions.

The European Union has repeatedly warned it would impose sanctions against Libyan parties undermining their efforts to form a national unity government. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in November urged for sanctions to be imposed on people within the rival Tripoli and Tobruk governments who oppose a national unity government.

“Everybody knows who these people are, and they should be given an ultimatum – to agree to a unity government or face sanctions,” he said during a speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

While Sant advocated quick action to counter the growth of Daesh [ISIS] in Libya, he warned that ongoing negotiations towards a national unity government have been spiked with mistrust.

“Libyan society has been deeply fractured by the events of the past few years, and it comes as no surprise that negotiations encountered long delays,” he said. “Neither should one overlook mistakes in mediation efforts. Irritated by delays, they went for speed. The main players in the Libyan drama share a country but have totally contrasting perspectives and interests.”