Belgium: EU renews sanctions for six months against those obstructing peace in Libya

28 Septembre 2017

BRUSSELS,  Belgium, September 28 (Infosplusgabon) - In view of the continuing instability and gravity of the situation in Libya, the European Council has extended the duration of the sanctions against Libya, targeting three persons for a period of six month.

On 1 April 2016, the Council imposed restrictive measures against three Libyans: Agila Saleh, president of the Libyan Council of Deputies in the House of Representatives; Khalifa Ghweil, prime minister and defence minister of the internationally unrecognised General National Congress; and Nuri Abu Sahmain, president of the internationally unrecognised General National Congress.

“These persons are viewed as obstructing the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) of 17 December 2015 and the formation of a Government of National Accord in Libya,” the EC said in a press statement on Thursday.

The Council last adopted conclusions on Libya on 17 July 2017, reiterating its firm support to the Libyan Political Agreement and to the Presidency Council and Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj established under it as the sole legitimate government authorities in the country.

In renewing the sanctions, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to existing restrictive measures. It reiterated its readiness to repeal them if the conditions for their application are no longer met and to introduce new measures against individuals who threaten the peace, security or stability of the country by, for instance, impeding or undermining the successful completion of Libya's political transition.

The EU called on all armed groups to refrain from violence, to commit to demobilisation and to recognise the authorities entrusted through the Libyan Political Agreement as the only authorities invested with the right to control Libya's defence and security forces. Violence threatens Libya's stability: the EU believes there is no solution to the Libyan crisis through the use of force.

Also, the Council warmly welcomed the appointment of Ghassan Salamé as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, who will play a central mediation role helping to promote an inclusive political settlement based on the Libyan Political Agreement.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/OPL/GABON 2017

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