EU Council conclusions on Libya

The European Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. The EU is unwavering in its commitment to protecting Libyan civilians, including through the intensification of pressure on the Libyan regime. In this context, the EU notes the lifting of the Misrata siege by the TNC, the extension of the operation to enforce UNSC Resolutions (UNSCR) 1973 and the continuing defections from the Kadhafi regime. Time is not on Kadhafi's side. He has lost all legitimacy to remain in power. The EU endorses the call of the Contact Group that the time has come for a new chapter where Libyans can choose their own future. The EU strongly supports the work of the UN Special Envoy al-Khatib to initiate this new chapter.

2. The EU is firmly committed to the full implementation of UNSCRs 1970 and 1973. More than three months after their adoption, the Kadhafi regime remains in constant breach of its obligation to protect Libyan citizens. The EU is working closely with the UN Special Envoy for Libya as the focal point for the political transition process. It welcomes the Joint Chairs' Conclusions of the meeting of the International Contact Group held in Abu Dhabi on 9 June which demonstrated the continuing resolve of the international community to protect civilians from the Kadhafi regime. The Cairo meeting on 18 June underlined the resolve of the international organisations to work together under the leadership of the UN and reaffirmed their readiness to assist the Libyan people during the transitional period. Both the Abu Dhabi meeting and the Cairo meetings of the UN, LAS, OIC, AU and the EU demonstrate the unity of purpose and the strong commitment of the international community to achieve a cease-fire linked to, and followed by a genuine and inclusive political process based on a clear commitment to national reconciliation and unity of post-Kadhafi Libya. Kadhafi must relinquish power immediately and the cease-fire must be genuine, verifiable and include an unconditional cessation of the use of force against civilians, as well as the withdrawal and return to their barracks of military forces from besieged and occupied cities.

3. The EU condemns the violations of human rights and the breaches of international humanitarian law perpetrated by the regime on a daily basis. Evidence has already been collected by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court of Kadhafi's crimes. Additional evidence is being gathered by the International Commission of Inquiry on the human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law in Libya mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, which published its report on the 1st of June. There can be no impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The EU calls on the remaining followers of the Kadhafi regime to disassociate themselves from such crimes as well as from the regime.

4. The EU remains concerned about the humanitarian situation, particularly in Misrata and the Western mountains. Humanitarian organisations must be granted unhindered access throughout Libya without delay. The EU as a whole has already committed 136 million euro in humanitarian assistance and reiterates its commitment to deliver it to all Libyans and people in need in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner. If requested by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the EU will conduct a CSDP operation "EUFOR Libya" to support humanitarian assistance in the region.

5. The EU condemns the Kadhafi forces' violations of the international border of, and its attacks into, Tunisia. The EU acknowledges the disruptive impact of the Libyan crisis on all its neighbours. The EU will continue its co-operation with these neighbouring countries to help alleviate the humanitarian, social, economic and security challenges created by the Libyan crisis.

6. The EU has decided to step up its sanctions against the Kadhafi regime by adding six port authorities under the regime's control to the EU asset freeze list. In this way, the EU is taking further action against the military arsenal used by the regime against its own citizens. Humanitarian shipments will be exempt from this measure. The list of targeted persons and entities remains under constant review.

7. The EU welcomes the "Road to Democratic Libya" presented to the Contact Group by the Transitional National Council (TNC), which reinforces its commitment to the principles of inclusion and representation, as well as its importance as a key political interlocutor representing the aspirations of the Libyan people. The EU supports the TNC's vision for a new Libya, and recognises the important steps taken to improve its organization and accountability. It must also continue its commitment to address alleged violations of international law, including of human rights, committed in the areas under its control. The EU is ready to assist the TNC in developing its capacity to assume its responsibilities and uphold the rule of law throughout the areas under its control.

8. The EU acknowledges the urgent financial needs of the TNC in order to serve the Libyan people. It welcomes the announcement, at the Abu Dhabi meeting, that the Temporary Financial Mechanism (TFM) is now operational. The EU welcomes the specific contributions of France and Italy. The mobilisation of international resources, including, where possible, through the use of Libyan frozen funds in compliance with the provisions of the relevant UNSCRs, is key to support an inclusive transition process aiming at fostering national reconciliation and fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people. Measures in this regard will respect the rule of law.

9. Working in coordination with the UN, the World Bank and other actors, notably regional organizations, the EU has started to mobilize its resources to support the political transition and will also do so on post-conflict reconstruction. The EU is committed to supporting the building of a democratic Libyan state, respectful of the international human rights standards, the rule of law and good governance principles. On the basis of Libya's needs and demands, the EU will explore ways, to combine all its actions to support the stability of the country, and the security and prosperity of its citizens as they strive to build a new sovereign and democratic state. The Council encourages the High Representative and the Commission to continue their work in this regard so as to be ready to act as the situation allows.

| Arriba |

• EU Statements on developments in Libya  (22/8/2011)
• EU Council reinforces sanctions on Libya (10/8/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton following the meeting of the Contact Group on Libya (15/7/2011)
• Statement by EU Council President Van Rompuy following a meeting with Libyan Transitional National Council Chairman Jibril (14/7/2011)
• Statement by EU Commission President Barroso following a meeting with Libyan Transitional National Council Chairman Jibril (14/7/2011)
• Statement by EU Commissioner Füle following a meeting with Libyan Transitional National Council Chairman Jibril (14/7/2011)
• EU Parliament delegation to visit refugee camps on Tunisian-Libyan border (11/7/2011)
• EU Parliament pushes for UN resolution on Syria and a refugee corridor (7/7/2011)
• EU HR Ashton speaks on North Africa and the Arab world (6/7/2011)
• Declaration by the EU HR Ashton on behalf of the EU following the ICC decision concerning the arrest warrants for Muammar Abu Minya Gaddafi, Saif Al Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah Al Sanousi (27/6/2011)
• Remarks by EU High Representative Ashton at the press conference after the European Council Foreign Affairs Council (21/6/2011)
• EU High Representative Ashton visits Jordan, Egypt, Israel and Palestine (15/6/2011)
• Libya: Six ports targeted by new EU sanctions (7/6/2011)
• EU HR Ashton sets up Task Force for Southern Mediterranean (7/6/2011)
• EU strengthens restrictive measures against Libya (23/5/2011)
• EU Council conclusions on Libya (23/5/2011)
• Developments in Libya: an overview of the EU's response (23/5/2011)