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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