A European Union exploratory mission to Libya and Tripoli

A European exploratory mission leaves today for Libya. It will be placed under the direction of Agostino Miozzo, director of the "Crisis response and operational coordination" department at the European diplomatic service (EEAS). Its objective will beassess the humanitarian and evacuation efforts on the ground in Libya to take stock of what may be needed in terms of additional support". She must be in Tripoli on Monday.

This will be the first international mission of this type since the start of the violence. The High Representative of the EU, Catherine Ashton, has just confirmed this. "I have decided to send this high-level mission to provide me with first-hand information in real time and to fuel the discussions that will be held on Friday at the extraordinary meeting of the European Council." The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides logistical support for this mission.

NB: for his part, Liam Fox, the British Minister of Defense confirmed that a small diplomatic team from the Forein Office is currently in Benghazi with the authorities of the Libyan National Council.