European Council conclusions on Libya


 

European Council conclusions on Libya

 

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, November 21, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 3124th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting

Brussels, 14 November 2011

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

“1. The EU welcomes the Declaration of Liberation of Libya made on October 23, which marks

the beginning of a new era for the country and its people. It also welcomes the appointment of

Abdurrahim al-Keib as Libya’s new Prime Minister and looks forward to the rapid

appointment of a Transitional Government. It recognises the legitimate aspirations of the

Libyan people expressed during the revolution, and encourages the continuation of

reconciliation efforts. It also reiterates its call for this transition to be inclusive and to pave

the way for the establishment of a state based on the rule of law and democratic principles to

which Libyan people aspired during the revolution, such as fundamental freedoms, respect for

human rights, gender equality, including participation of women in the political process, and

non discrimination.

2. The EU encourages the National Transitional Council to pursue its calls for justice and

respect for human rights in line with its Constitutional Charter. It notes with concern reports

of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law including revenge attacks

and summary executions. It welcomes the commitment of the Libyan authorities to take

action to bring an end to such acts, to carry out thorough and impartial investigations into any

such incidents and ensure that those responsible for violations of human rights are held

accountable. The EU welcomes the promise of cooperation between the Libyan authorities

and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Commission of Inquiry of the UN

Human Rights Council, as well as the International Criminal Court.

3. The EU notes the end of Operation Unified Protector in Libya and expresses appreciation for

the critical role it has played in the protection of civilians. It also recalls that it has taken swift

action to implement the provisions on UNSCR 2016 (2011) on the termination of the No-Fly

Zone.

4. The EU underlines its concerns regarding the proliferation of all arms and related materiel of

all types in line with UNSCR 2017 (2011), in particular Man-portable air defence system

(MANPADS) and chemical weapons stockpiles in Libya and the danger of their

dissemination across the region. It stresses the need for a response based on close

coordination with international partners and countries of the region, and it recalls the

relevance of the EU Sahel Strategy in this regard.

5. In full respect of the principle of Libyan ownership and in cooperation with the UN, the EU is

ready to combine all its instruments, including CSDP if appropriate, in order to provide

further assistance to the new Libya across a range of sectors, as already set out in the FAC

Conclusions of 10 October. Together with the Libyan authorities and the international

community, the EU will continue to work to lift restrictions on Libyan assets frozen abroad

in conformity with the wishes and needs of the Libyan people and the relevant UNSCRs. A

quick re-launch of the Libyan economy is needed to support the transition process. The EU

will continue to respond to requests for humanitarian assistance.

6. The Council reaffirms its readiness to support Libya during the transition and welcomes the

inauguration of an EU Delegation to Libya by High Representative Ashton.

7. The EU is committed to deepening and strengthening its relationship with the Libyan people

and looks forward to the participation of Libya within the European Neighbourhood Policy

and regional initiatives such as the Union for the Mediterranean.”

 

SOURCE 

European Council

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