Vella calls for greater EU solidarity with Libya

Foreign affairs minister George Vella yesterday urged EU foreign ministers to "show the Libyan people that we are committed to their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future."

During a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, in which Member States reflected on the situation in the EU's southern neighbors, Vella underlined the precarious political and security situation in Libya.

He expressed Malta's unwavering commitment to a peaceful democratic transition in Libya and stressed that the EU must "increase [its] engagement with Libya and enhance its visibility in the country."

The minister added that the emergence of extremist groups in the country is not only a concern to Libyans, but to Europe as well.

Vella reiterated Malta's support and commitment to the Libyan people, which he conveyed to Prime Minister Ali Zeidan during the Libyan premier's brief stop in Malta last week.

Turning to Syria, Vella stressed that the very fact that the long-awaited Geneva II Conference took place was an achievement, and expressed Malta's commitment to the next round of Geneva talks which began on Monday.

Noting that the Geneva talks are a process, Vella nevertheless expressed disappointment at the lack of any agreement on local ceasefires and the opening of humanitarian corridors at the talks in January.

He however welcomed the recent agreement of the Syrian opposition and Government to temporarily cease hostilities in the besieged city of Homs in order to allow civilians to leave.

Vella expressed his hope that the new Geneva talks will build upon these confidence-building measures and provide fodder for a negotiated political breakthrough.

The council meeting also looked at the latest developments in Egypt and Tunisia and Vella welcomed the successful outcome of the efforts of the Tunisian Constitutional Assembly, which he described as a progressive constitution that could serve as a model to other countries in the region going through transition.

"The process served as a good example of an Islamist movement accepting to work in a democratic spirit with other political actors towards a common good," Vella said.

He also hailed this development, together with the formation of a technocrat transitional government as "welcome news" and a "cause to rejoice and hope."

On Egypt, Vella welcomed the new Constitution, noting that it "embraces fundamental rights and freedoms, with a specific reference to women's rights."

While stating that this is very positive and should serve as a basis for the upcoming legislative exercises in the country, he expressed "regret that the process was not fully inclusive."

The Minister also condemned ongoing acts of violence in Egypt, stating that only an all-inclusive political process can bring stability and economic recovery to the country.

EU foreign ministers also addressed the EU's Eastern Partnership and the recent EU-Russia Summit, with Vella pointing out that while the EU's relations with Russia are at a delicate period, there is a solid basis for cooperation upon which mutual understanding can be developed.

Turning to the situation in the Ukraine, the Minister reiterated Malta's position that the "future of the country should be determined by the people of Ukraine.

He emphasised that all national stakeholders need to be involved in order to build a new consensus on the way forward in the country.