MEP Mizzi pushes for more to be done on situation in Libya in the wake of Derna war crimes

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi today reiterated her concern over the gravity of the situation in Libya and that it is about time that Europe finally reconsiders its security and defence policy taking full responsibility for the security not only in Libya but as well as in the Mediterranean region as a whole. 

Mizzi was commenting in Strasbourg following a reply by the EU’s High Representative Federica Mogherini on the civil strife in Libya in particular with the worrying encroachment of ISIS into Libyan territory.

Mizzi had asked the Commission what steps it will take to improve the situation in Libya, especially in view of the black ISIS flags appearing across Tripoli.

"The escalations in Libya make us evaluate Europe's role to tackle the new challenges to its security. In order to create a union of shared prosperity and stability at our borders, we need to adapt to the new security challenges such as the growing number of Islamic State fighters dominating in Tripoli and other Libyan cities," said MEP Mizzi.

In her reply, Mogherini said that the EU is very concerned at reports that indicate an increasing presence of jihadist elements in Libya, notably in the Cyrenaica region (East) but also in the West. The Islamic Youth Shura Council in Derna publicly pledged allegiance to ISIS in November 2014.

International NGOs have documented beheadings of three Derna residents in what appear to be war crimes, and dozens of seemingly politically motivated assassinations of public officials, judges and members of the security forces.

The EU is supporting the UN-led process to launch a dialogue between the main conflicting parties in Libya and agrees with the inclusive approach adopted by the UN regarding the participants in the so-called ‘Gadhames II Process’.

At the same time, the EU believes that groups like those who are terrorising the population in Derna have placed themselves outside the political spectrum and are not eligible to participate in any talks.

Reacting to this reply in Strasbourg, Mizzi said that unfortunately there has been no comprehensive response on the situation in Libya and in particular on the increasing presence of jihadist elements. The immediate threat calls for an immediate “levelling-up” of Europe's defence capabilities.

“I have already criticised the Latvian presidency for refusing to deal with urgent issues affecting the southern Mediterranean region where the list of current crises, including Libya, Egypt, and Syria will continue to grow this year. Nevertheless, I still have some hopes that the Commission will invest more of its energy and powers to improve the stability of the whole Mediterranean region”, said MEP Mizzi.