Libya / Tripoli must listen to Europe’s appeal and stop the violence against civilians, says Frattini. The Minister is visiting Cairo today
ROME, Italy, February 23, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The situation in Libya is “very serious, on the brink of civil war”. Tripoli must listen to Europe’s firm appeal to halt the violence against civilians, an appeal that Italy subscribes to “without ifs and buts”.
Speaking was Foreign Minister Franco Frattini after the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, where the 27 condemned the repression of the demonstrators and called for an immediate halt to the use of force. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi reiterated the Italian line in a note saying he is “alarmed by the increasing severity of the clashes and the unacceptable use of violence against the civilian population”.
The Prime Minister urged the EU and the entire international community to “make every effort to prevent the Libyan crisis from degenerating into civil war, the consequences of which would be difficult to predict”. They should strive instead to achieve “a peaceful solution that protects the security of the citizens and the integrity and stability of Libya itself and of the entire region”.
The European document was the result of “a mediation effort that was not easy”. Minister Frattini underscored the need for Libya to embark on “a peaceful process of national reconciliation leading to a Constitution”. A process that the EU must support.
In 2008, the Italian Government signed a Friendship Treaty with Libya, envisaging, inter alia, collaboration to combat illegal immigration. What is worrying the Italian Government is the possibility of “a biblical exodus of immigrants” arriving from the shores of Libya. “Whoever mentioned hundreds of thousands wasn’t exaggerating. And Italy cannot contemplate being left to handle this alone”, said Frattini. He recalled in this respect the exceptional exodus from Tunisia, for which the EU decided to launch the Frontex mission.
The joint EU-27 declaration condemns the repression against the demonstrators and calls for a halt to the violence. It invites all concerned to show moderation and states that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are human rights and fundamental freedoms of every human being which must be respected and protected. The legitimate aspirations and demands of the people for reform must be addressed through an open, inclusive and meaningful Libyan-led dialogue that must lead to a constructive future for the country and its people.
The situation in Libya was the focus of talks in Cairo between Minister Frattini and the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Mussa. The Arab League, reported Frattini, takes the same stance as Italy. It agrees with the appeal by the European Union for an open, Libyan-led dialogue to restore calm to the country, just as it agrees with the condemnation of violence in the country’s towns and streets.
As regards Italians living in Libya, the Minister explained that “we are not forcing anyone to return to Italy. We will resort to repatriation and evacuation only if necessary, in which case we’ll provide ships and aircraft”. Turning to the issue of gas supply, “In effect, we’ve received news of a reduction in oil deliveries from Libya. However, the situation should not give us cause for concern because we have other sources of supply”, Frattini pointed out. He explained that the issue will be high on the agenda for the cabinet meeting in Palazzo Chigi this evening (22 February 2011) with Prime Minister Berlusconi. Also taking part will be the Economic Development Minister, Paolo Romani. Frattini will deliver a report to the Senate tomorrow afternoon.
The Foreign Minister then turned to events in Egypt. Mussa agrees on the idea of using the road map to manage events and the decisions made by the Egyptian people. There should be no interference, however, as regards the type of democracy sought by the people.
Frattini went on to underscore the need to avoid disappointing the people who had taken part in the demonstrations. He referred to the steps envisaged by the Egyptian Government, including the approval of the constitutional amendments by the end of this week and then the preparation of the referendum. “Egypt is drawing ever-closer to Europe”, said Frattini. “My proposal is for Cairo to have an ‘advanced’ form of relationship with the Union, similar to the one enjoyed by Morocco. This would be a gesture of confidence in the transition process”.
The Egyptian transition was the focus of the talks between Frattini and the head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and Egyptian Defence Minister, Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
SOURCE
Italy – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
