On Thursday, the European Union and its member states welcomed the Libyan national unity government’s confidence in the parliament, and hinted at imposing sanctions on those who violate the ceasefire.
EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the 27 member states. “Just over a year after the Berlin conference on Libya, this is an important achievement that creates the conditions for reuniting institutions in Libya and leading the country to the national elections on December 24.”
The national unity government headed by Abdul Hamid Dabaiba won the confidence of Parliament by obtaining 121 votes out of 132 deputies who attended the session.
The statement added, “We strongly encourage the House of Representatives to continue its constructive role and work jointly with the Government of National Unity and the High National Elections Commission to ensure timely preparation for the elections.” He continued, “We call on all Libyan stakeholders to ensure a speedy and smooth transfer of power to the national unity government.”
He also stressed that “the European Union and its member states stress the importance of the effective implementation of all provisions of the ceasefire agreement concluded on 23 February. October 2020, as well as respecting the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations and the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries according to UN Security Council resolutions. ”
The Europeans considered that“ any foreign military intervention is unacceptable. The international community and all concerned Libyan actors respect those principles. ” And they continued, “It reminds the European Union of its mechanism to impose sanctions on potential spoilers.”
The members of the European Union added, “We call on the leaders of the Government of National Unity to demonstrate their strong will to lay the foundations for a comprehensive reform of the security sector, including making real efforts to dismantle Militias and the unification of the armed forces under civilian authority. ”
“ A new path towards peace ”
And in an interview with“ Al-Arabiya ”and “The event,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, “What is happening in Libya is an extension of the Berlin path and a new path towards peace.” He added, “For the first time in Libya, an elected parliament gives confidence to a legitimate government.” He continued: “The Libyan parliament gave confidence to the new government an important breakthrough.”
Libya has plunged into chaos since the fall of Colonel Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, and is witnessing a power struggle and direct and indirect conflicts between several external forces.
The militias … the most prominent obstacles
The dilemma of the armed militias that control the capital, Tripoli and are linked to tense relations, one of the most prominent obstacles facing the new executive authority Which promised the Libyans peace, unity and stability. The challenges facing the new authority after assuming its duties.
These field developments come in conjunction with the arrival of Prime Minister Abdel Hamid al-Dabaiba to the capital, Tripoli, which will host the official headquarters of the government, a day after he was confirmed by Parliament and confidence in his ministerial formation.
This comes as the new executive authority, which was elected more than a month ago in the Swiss city of Geneva, is preparing to formally assume its duties within Next week, which will be among its tasks to unify the security establishment and rein in armed militias.