Faced with (r)evolutions in the Middle East, Europe is getting under way… slowly

What can Europe do in the face of the developments (revolutions) in the Middle East was the essence of the debate held today to redirect it to the useful Community instruments. We " we will always stand with democracy ". A meeting will be held in Brussels today, under the aegis of the European Union, bringing together certain Member States, third countries (Australia, Japan, China, etc.) and international organizations (World Bank, etc.). ).

Violence in Libya "unacceptable"

Regarding the violence in Libya, it is " unacceptable ". An executive " can't threaten his people added the Commission spokesperson.

Gaddafi remains an interlocutor

But the High Representative did not want to indicate that Gaddafi was no longer the valid interlocutor and that she was ready to engage in dialogue with alternative authorities, nor to indicate that she considered the current events as a possible crime against humanity.

First penalties

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Common Security Policy had already announced (Tuesday) the suspension of the ongoing negotiations of the trade agreement with Libya. Other sanctions could be taken.

Additional measures on the COPS agenda

The Political and Security Committee (PSC), which is meeting today in ordinary session, has decided to devote part of its meeting to the situation on the ground. All eventualities will be examined, in particular increasing the sanctions component (freezing of the Libyan leader's assets, freezing of visas, etc.).

Suspended weapon deliveries

The "weapons deliveries have been suspended" indicated the spokesperson for the High Representative, answering a question from Brussels2.

The MIC on alert on the repatriation of nationals

Regarding the evacuation of nationals, the EU Civil Protection Crisis Unit (MIC) has been put on alert. " This is primarily the responsibility of the Member States. But we also coordinate the effort in support (underground)”. The European Union relies in particular on evacuations by sea to evacuate some 10.000 (probably a little less now) European residents in Libya. "It won't be easy," concedes the spokesperson for Commissioner Georgieva (in charge of humanitarian aid and civil protection).

ECHO humanitarian experts sent on site

Several experts from ECHO, the European Humanitarian Aid Office, have been sent to Libya's borders with Tunisia and Egypt to assess the situation. An expert is ready to leave for Tripoli if security conditions make it possible. For the moment, there is no funding released. But "if necessary, funding may be released, if necessary retroactively".

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