EU to restart naval operation in Mediterranean to stop arms flow to Libya
Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - European Union (EU) foreign ministers have agreed to restart the naval operation in the Mediterranean to track down ships that violate the arms embargo on Libya.
European ships will resume patrols in the Mediterranean Sea, but Austria and Italy reserve the right to oppose the naval operation if they see a massive influx of African migrants from Libya.
This is part of discussions at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.
The UN Special Envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salamé has said the embargo on arms deliveries to Libya is not being respected.
Weapons of war destined for the belligerents arrive in Libya by sea, air and land through southern Libya.
The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell presented a letter from Salamé in which he described the security situation in the country as "very bad".
The UN envoy stated the ceasefire agreed by the belligerents during the Berlin summit is being not respected.
Violent fighting has continued, pitting Marshal Khalifa Haftar's troops against forces supporting Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognised by the international community.
-0- PANA AK/JSG/BBA/MA 18Feb2020
