The European Union (EU) Delegation and the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in Libya have voiced grave concerns about the deterioration of the situation in Libya, saying this situation comes amidst growing political fragmentation in the absence of unified institutions.
The EU Delegation urged in a statement on Friday all parties to engage constructively in good faith and seek a negotiated solution.
“We reaffirm our readiness to actively support this process, including to restore Libya’s path to the formation of a unified government and to national elections. We call on all Libyan leaders to put national interests first, deescalate tensions, refrain from the use or threat of force, and lift the force majeure on all oil fields.” The statement reads.
It adds that the intimidation of High Council of State members and Central Bank of Libya (CBL) employees, the closure of oil fields, and disruptions in banking services are exacerbating an already fragile situation, threatening the economic lifelines of the Libyan people.
The EU Delegation indicated that continued unilateral actions and the personalised management of state institutions and resources jeopardized Libya’s financial and economic stability, risking an escalation of the country’s protracted crisis.
“We support UNSMIL’s call for urgent steps to deescalate and welcome the initiative to convene an emergency meeting of all relevant stakeholders to peacefully resolve the Central Bank crisis.” The statement further adds.
Following this EU statement, the State Department of the United States (US) said on Saturday that after more than a week of confusion over the leadership of the CBL, Libyan actors should take steps to maintain its credibility and find a solution that would not further damage its reputation and engagement with the international financial system.
