Intervention in Libya

1.The EGP expresses its full support for the Libyan people in their attempt to terminate the longest dictatorship in the region and their efforts to bring about a democratic regime.

2.The escalating situation in Libya – after Muammar Gaddafi has started to bomb his own people – has proven in the most dramatic way that much valuable time was wasted. A more persuasive diplomacy and a more effective political initiative from the European Union, especially through its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and its member countries at that stage would have been needed.

3.EU and its members must fully review their policy towards the Mediterranean and accept their responsibilities in the current instability. Economic self-interest and preservation of the status quo was given priority at the expense of democratic reforms and respect for human rights. That attitude led to explicit support for the dictators of the region and in particular for Gaddafi. It is necessary, in this regard, to implement fully the EU’s oil embargo. The EU should also open an investigation into its economic relations with Libya, in particular about arms sales by the member countries, in possible violations of the criteria of the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Trade.

4.Support for democratic forces in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and Saudi Arabia and other North African and Middle East countries must also be visible and tangible, as the credibility of the EU and its member states depends on the ability to support all democratic and non-violent liberation movements and not just some.

5.The Security Council resolution 1973 was adopted after a strong plea from the Libyan opposition to protect civilians from Gaddafi's forces. A broad consensus of the members of the Council, the Arab League and the African Union has gradually built around the need for swift action in the face of the violent advances of Gaddafi's forces and the threats made to his own people. This was an unprecedented and important consensus. We support the primary objective of the resolution to protect civilians on both sides and reject a military intervention on the ground. We reaffirm the necessity of preserving the unity of Libya.

6.The bombardment of Libya by colalition forces that is not aimed at the protection of civilians exceed the provisions of UN Resolution 1973. The obligation to respect the demand of a cease-fire applies equally to all parties. Supplying military assistance to the rebels in Libya is a violation of the arms embargo.

7.The European Greens express their concern on the continuing conflict and call for the international intervention to comply strictly with the provisions of UN Resolution 1973. We consider as an objective priority to establish the conditions for a cease-fire and protect the civilian population, culminating in the opening of mediation between the parties. It will aim at facilitating a dialogue leading to the political reforms necessary to find a peaceful and sustainable solution and ensuring the independence and integrity of Libya.

8.For all this, The European Greens believe that any necessary international intervention to protect civilians should in no way be considered a blank cheque to any kind of action by the coalition. The limits of the resolution must be strictly respected.

9.The enforcement of the no-fly zones and protection of the population must be accompanied by a strong diplomatic action, led by the UN to reach an immediate ceasefire. The UN resolution does not involve war on those fleeing from conflict zones, on the contrary there are international obligations to be respected. The UN diplomacy must organize aid for displaced persons in Libya and above all the creation of a humanitarian corridor for refugees. It is also essential that the EU put in place as soon as possible adequate mechanisms for the reception of refugees and displaced persons who may seek to escape from Libya. In this sense, the mandate of Frontex must be redefined in order to guarantee the protection of civilians and the right to escape from war. The post-conflict Libyan authorities should be party to, and ratify the Geneva Convention on Refugees.

10.It should also be underlined that following the Lisbon Treaty, the EU common policy on asylum, immigration and external border control shall be governed by the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, between the Members States, including its financial implications. This principle of solidarity must be applied at the present time in matters of asylum and migration policy.

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