EU foreign policy chief visits Libya to reopen mission

Federica Mogherini (C), European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the press before her departure from Mitiga International Airport, about 8 kilometers east of the capital Tripoli, on July 14, 2018. (AFP)

• “The return of the diplomatic presence of the EU in Libya will further strengthen co-operation with the government," said the EU
• Europe is keen to see stability return to Libya to help stem the flow of migrants

TRIPOLI: The European Union’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini visited Libya’s capital Tripoli on Saturday to reopen the bloc’s diplomatic presence and border assistance mission.
“The return of the diplomatic presence of the EU in Libya will further strengthen co-operation with the government, local authorities and the United Nations,” the EU said in a statement.
The EU relocated its Libya delegation to Tunisia’s capital Tunis in 2014, as the country was mired into chaos after the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Muammar Qaddafi.
Mogherini met the head of Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj and Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Taher Siala, alongside the UN’s envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame, the EU said.
Europe is keen to see stability return to Libya to help stem the flow of migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean from North Africa.
Rival Libyan leaders agreed to a French-brokered deal in May to hold elections by the end of this year, but skepticism remains high over whether a vote can take place.
Mogherini “restated the European Union’s support for the Libyan political process, in the framework provided by the United Nations, including preparations for elections,” the EU said.
Together with Sarraj she also discussed training Libya’s coast guard and securing the country’s land borders, the EU statement added.
Libya is a key transit point for thousands of African migrants trying to reach European shores.
The internationally backed government in Tripoli is opposed by a rival administration in the east supported by strongman Khalifa Haftar.
Mogherini told Sarraj that she was “relieved” a recent oil crisis had been resolved, the GNA said in a statement.
Libya on Wednesday resumed exports from its eastern Oil Crescent, after shipments had been suspended for over two weeks, due to a standoff between the rival administrations.