Italy and France will provide security for humanitarian operations to Libya (Maj)

(BRUSSELS2 / in Luxembourg) France and Italy are going to propose, today, the provision of military means to secure the UN humanitarian operations carried out in Libyan territory, announced an Italian diplomat. This includes allowing access to Libyan ports, especially the port of Misrata in complete safety. The announcement should be made at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg by the two French and Italian ministers. This operation will be carried out under the national flag, by sea and air (but without going ashore). It will make it possible to secure the supply of the zones in danger (in medicines, food, etc.) and to evacuate the wounded or civilians in danger, " pending the establishment of EUFOR Libya assures a diplomat.

(updated) The announcement was ultimately not made to the Council. The French probably judging the initiative premature. However, it seems plausible if EUFOR Libya's planning drags on too long. And legally, resolutions 1970 and 1973 not only authorize but also require UN member states to ensure the "protection of Libyan civilians" by all means, and "to make humanitarian aid accessible in Libya". In this case, it suffices to make a simple notification to the UN and to liaise with the military means responsible for enforcing the embargo. Much less difficult to obtain than a green light from OCHA...