EU says Haftar’s attack on Libyan capital threatens peace and security

The remarks came after a meeting for the EU in Brussels on Monday attended by the Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sirraj.

The EU added that Haftar’s Tripoli attack also enhances the risk of increased terrorist threat across the country.

“The EU reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya. It calls on all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to engage with the United Nations to ensure a full and comprehensive cessation of hostilities. It also calls on them to dissociate themselves both publicly and on the ground from terrorist and criminal elements involved in the fighting, and from those suspected of war crimes, including individuals listed by the UN Security Council.” The EU said in a statement.

The EU indicated that it is deeply concerned at the loss of human life, the growing number of internally displaced persons and the impact on migration flows.

“All parties must protect civilians, including migrants and refugees, by allowing and facilitating a safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services to all those affected, and as stipulated under the International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.” The statement reads.

The EU added that indiscriminate attacks on densely populated residential areas may amount to war crimes. Those breaching International Humanitarian Law must be held to account.

“The EU recalls that there is no military solution to the crisis in Libya and urges all parties to re-commit to the United Nations-facilitated political dialogue and work towards a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Libya as agreed in Paris in May 2018, in Palermo in November 2018, and in Abu Dhabi in February 2019 in order to pave the way for holding the national elections.” The statement further added.

The EU urged all Libyan parties to fully respect the arms embargo and refrain from any actions that could further undermine the UN-facilitated political dialogue.

It also called on them to engage constructively with UN envoy Ghassan Salame with the aim of achieving a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political solution through an inclusive political process, with the full participation of women, to bring security, political and economic sustainability, and national unity to Libya.