The European Union on Thursday welcomed a vote by Libya’s parliament to approve a unity government and warned it could sanction foreign or domestic “spoilers” who undermine peace efforts.
“This is a significant breakthrough that creates the conditions to reunify institutions in Libya and lead the country toward national elections on 24 December,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the 27 member states.
“We call on all Libyan stakeholders to ensure a timely and seamless transfer of power to the Government of National Unity.”
Oil-rich Libya descended into conflict after dictator Muammar Qaddafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, resulting in multiple forces backed by competing foreign powers vying for control.
After two days of intense debate under heavy security in the central coastal city of Sirte, parliament on Wednesday approved the cabinet of interim prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
Libya has been split between the Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital Tripoli and backed by Turkey, and an administration in the east supported by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
“This is a historic opportunity for the Libyans to come together in a joint effort to rebuild their country as peaceful, stable and united and restore Libya’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the EU statement said.
The bloc called for a cease-fire deal, arms embargo and demands for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries to be respected.
“In this regard, the European Union recalls its instrument of sanctions against possible spoilers,” the statement said.
“We also invite the leadership of the Government of National Unity to demonstrate its strong resolve toward laying the foundations for a comprehensive reform in the security sector, including through genuine efforts to dismantle militias and unify armed forces under a civilian oversight.”