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EU mulls sanctions targeting spoilers of Libya dialogue

Xinhua, July 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) foreign ministers here on Monday discussed the possibility of adopting sanctions against spoilers of the Libya dialogue process, with the awareness of the sense of urgency.

"The decision to impose such restrictive measures can be taken at any time, if and when needed," said the main results released after the one-day meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Concerning the issue of Libya, the Council was briefed by UN Special Representative Bernardino Leon on the initialling of a political agreement by the vast majority of Libyan parties.

The ministers discussed what more the EU can do to bring the missing parties on board and to further support the efforts towards the formation of a government of national accord.

"The EU stands ready to support such government when formed, both economically and politically," according to the main results released after the meeting.

On July 11, in Morocco, a number of Libyan parties initialed a political agreement, bringing the country one step closer to ending the conflict and paving the way for further talks.

At the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the foreign ministers also talked on several issues including Iran, and Middle East peace process.

The Council also adopted the new EU action plan on human rights and democracy for 2015 to 2019 "Keeping human rights at the heart of the EU agenda". Endit