EU concerned by Libya crisis, ‘underscores legitimacy of House of Representatives’

The European Union has expressed concern over the situation in Libya and its impact on the civilian population.

It warned that the instability in Libya posed a direct threat to the EU, through terrorism, increased irregular migration and trafficking of illicit goods, including arms.

The EU also said it remained strongly committed to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.

Gathered in Luxembourg for the European Council, Ministers for Foreign Affairs reiterated their commitment to continue supporting Libya in sectors like security, migration, civil society, protection of vulnerable groups and promotion of human rights.

The EU, they said, stand ready to assist Libya in the field of border management, including as already being provided through EUBAM.

“Those responsible for violence and those who obstruct or undermine Libya's democratic transition must be held accountable,” the ministers said, calling on all Libyans to unite in the fight against terrorism.

“Libya's hard fought freedom is at risk if Libyan and international terrorist groups are allowed to use Libya as a safe haven. Libya will only stand a chance to address this threat, weapon proliferation and trafficking, if all armed forces come under the control of one central authority which reports to a democratic and inclusive parliament."

Europe’s foreign affairs ministers said that the ongoing violence threatens the possibility of achieving the aspirations of the Libyan people of a peaceful political transition and is having a negative impact across North Africa and the Sahel region and is of concern for the EU as well.

“The EU strongly condemns the ongoing violence, all human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed across the country. The EU urges all parties to urgently observe an unconditional ceasefire. The EU is convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict. Only a political solution can provide a sustainable way forward and contribute to peace and stability in Libya.”

According to the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the EU fully supported the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to secure a negotiated settlement and the work of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

The EU welcomed the UN facilitated dialogue between members of the House of Representatives initiated in Ghadames on 29 September and continued in Tripoli on 11 October in presence of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki – moon and the Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini.

It called on all parties to fully cooperate with the UN-led initiative by engaging in a peaceful political process to resolve the ongoing crisis, abstaining from actions that risk undermining it.

The EU welcomed the agreements reached so far, and called upon all parties to respect and implement them and to remain constructively engaged in this political process.

“The EU and Member States are exploring with UNSMIL ways to support the confidence building measures,” the minister said.

The European Union underscored the legitimacy of the House of Representatives as the sole legislative authority in Libya.

“[We urge] Libya's government and all elected members of the House of Representatives to reach out to all parties and engage constructively in an inclusive political dialogue, also to find a solution to the institutional crisis, as the country cannot afford to be divided. Libya needs a strong government of national unity,” he said.

The EU encouraged the Constitutional Drafting Assembly to continue to pursue its work on a constitutional text that will enshrine and protect the rights of all Libyans.

The EU did not recognise any parallel authority or entity outside of the legal and democratic institutional framework.

The EU stressed the importance that the international community acts in a united manner on Libya on the basis of the principles and understandings agreed at recent meetings, namely in New York and Madrid.

“We support complementary efforts of Libya’s neighbours and partners, including EU Member States that promote inclusivity, national consensus and reconciliation and their efforts to address Libya's crisis. The EU emphasises that all initiatives should feed into the overall UN-led mediation process. It also encourages all partners to refrain from actions which might exacerbate current divisions and undermine Libya's democratic transition.”

The EU called on all parties in Libya to ensure the protection of civilians and the facilitation of assistance to people in need, and supports all efforts made to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation, notably the displacement of people and disruption of access to basic services.

The EU has mobilised funds to address the most pressing needs but the rapidly declining conditions will require additional international support to respond to the displacement and needs of the affected population.

According to the Council conclusions, the EU stands ready to implement UNSCR 2174 in order to address threats to Libya’s peace and stability, including violations of the arms embargo.