Raad komt met conclusies over Libië (en)

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Council conclusions on Libya

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Brussels, 18 November 2013

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The EU is concerned by the significant deterioration of both the political and security

situation in Libya and condemns the violence in Tripoli on 15 November which resulted in the tragic loss of life among civilians. The EU urges all parties to avoid further bloodshed and refrain from further violence. The EU underlines its commitment to support the Libyan authorities and emphasises the need for the Libyan government and General National Congress to work jointly, within an agreed institutional framework based on the Constitutional Declaration, to achieve a peaceful and democratic political transition in a united Libya. It calls on all relevant actors to avoid obstructing the country's economic development through unlawful actions and underlines the importance for all parties to respect fundamental values, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly

• 2. 

  Recalling its commitment to support Libya in the transition towards democracy, the EU looks forward to the upcoming elections for the Constitutional Drafting Assembly and to the start of the drafting process of a new and democratic Libyan constitution. The EU underlines the importance of an inclusive and credible electoral process where all Libyans, including minorities and women, work collectively for the fulfilment of the revolution's democratic aspirations. Welcoming existing initiatives, the EU believes that a single inclusive national dialogue would best help to conclude successfully the agreed transitional phase and lay the ground for reconciliation. The EU will also continue supporting the next steps in the reconstruction and strengthening of the Libyan state, based on strict adherence to the rule of law by all parties

• 3. 

  The EU urges the Libyan authorities to address reports of human rights violations, including against migrants, and to bring those responsible to justice. While recognising considerable progress on this issue, the EU calls on the Libyan government to complete the process of bringing all places of detention under its full control. It will also continue to support the necessary reform of the penitentiary sector. The EU encourages the Libyan authorities to continue cooperation with the International Criminal Court following the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1970 (2011) in which the UN Security Council referred the Libyan situation to the Court

• 4. 

  The security situation in Libya remains a serious challenge for the Libyan people and state institutions, which should be able to provide security for all its citizens throughout the country. In this regard, the EU encourages the Libyan authorities to continue pursuing efforts to ensure the progressive integration of members of the revolutionary brigades through the necessary programmes on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, including in civilian training and employment. The EU will continue, in coordination with the international community, to provide its assistance and expertise in this process

• 5. 

  The existing unsecured stockpiles of arms and ammunition from the Kadhafi era pose a significant threat to the stability and security of Libya, the Southern Neighbourhood and beyond. Convinced that a comprehensive international response would best address the nature of the threat, the EU supports the efforts of the Libyan government and the United Nations to secure all stockpiles of arms in line with UNSCR 2017 (2011) and emphasizes the need to continue with their destruction, as appropriate. The EU reaffirms its willingness, in coordination with the UN, to increase assistance to the Libyan government in this area

• 6. 

  Following the recent tragedies in the Mediterranean, the EU stresses its concern over the loss of lives and the destabilising impact of the irregular movement of people across Libya and through its borders. The EU also recognizes that tackling irregular migration requires a comprehensive approach with Libya playing an important role. The challenges highlighted by the tragedy of Lampedusa, including in relation with Libya, will be addressed in a comprehensive manner also in the framework of the Task Force Mediterranean under the chairmanship of the European Commission. Bearing in mind that establishing secure and stable borders is crucial to ensuring well-managed migration flows and to protect the fundamental rights of migrants, the EU is committed to enhance its cooperation with and assistance to the Libyan government to improve Libya's capacity to manage the security of all its borders and to combat human smuggling and trafficking, illicit smuggling of goods and weapons, and in the fight against terrorism. The EU will respond to these challenges with all appropriate instruments. One important element of EU's comprehensive answer towards the Libyan needs is the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Libya) through which the EU will contribute to the capacity building of the Libyan border authorities. The EU believes that an increased cooperation with neighbouring countries is also essential and welcomes in that respect all efforts aiming at fostering regional cooperation, including the Rabat follow-up conference to the regional conference on borders held in Tripoli in March 2012

• 7. 

  With the intention to establish long-term and mutually beneficial relations, the EU is determined to strengthen its engagement with all sections of Libyan society, including through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the re-launch of negotiations of the EU-Libya Framework Agreement. The EU underlines the importance of Libyan civil society, including human rights defenders, youth, women, local authorities and media, for the future of Libya and will continue supporting it. The EU further proclaims its support of regional initiatives such as the Union for the Mediterranean, the 5+5 Western Mediterranean Forum and the Arab Maghreb Union. The EU encourages any further efforts on regional integration and cooperation across the Maghreb

• 8. 

  The EU stresses the need for a response based on close coordination with international partners and reiterates its support to the work and activities undertaken by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Finally, the EU reconfirms its determination in securing a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for the Libyan people."