The European Union warmly welcomes the announcements issued on August 21, 2020 by the President of the Presidency Council Fayez Al-Serraj and Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh. This is a constructive first step forward, which demonstrates the determination of the Libyan leaders to overcome the current stalemate and creates a new hope for a common ground towards a peaceful political solution to the longstanding Libyan crisis and the termination of all foreign interference throughout the country.

We fully support the agreement around the principles to immediately cease all military activities across Libya, requiring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries present in Libya, and resume the negotiating process in the framework of the UN-led Berlin process.

We now urge all the Libyan parties, and all those supporting them in any form, to translate these principles into concrete actions on the ground leading to a permanent ceasefire, as part of the discussions within the 5+5 joint military committee and to relaunch the political process.

We took note of the announcements regarding the lifting of the blockade on oil infrastructure. We now call for these announcements to be followed by concrete developments in terms of a full resumption at full capacity throughout the country in the interest of all the Libyan people, along with the implementation of economic reforms with a view to agreeing on a fair and transparent distribution mechanism for oil revenues and to enhancing the governance of Libyan economic and financial institutions.

The European Union reiterates its full support to the UN and the Libyans in implementing these principles. We reaffirm our commitment to the Libyan people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, united, stable and prosperous country.

The European Union warmly welcomes the announcements issued on August 21, 2020 by the President of the Presidency Council Fayez Al-Serraj and Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh. This is a constructive first step forward, which demonstrates the determination of the Libyan leaders to overcome the current stalemate and creates a new hope for a common ground towards a peaceful political solution to the longstanding Libyan crisis and the termination of all foreign interference throughout the country.

We fully support the agreement around the principles to immediately cease all military activities across Libya, requiring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries present in Libya, and resume the negotiating process in the framework of the UN-led Berlin process.

We now urge all the Libyan parties, and all those supporting them in any form, to translate these principles into concrete actions on the ground leading to a permanent ceasefire, as part of the discussions within the 5+5 joint military committee and to relaunch the political process.

We took note of the announcements regarding the lifting of the blockade on oil infrastructure. We now call for these announcements to be followed by concrete developments in terms of a full resumption at full capacity throughout the country in the interest of all the Libyan people, along with the implementation of economic reforms with a view to agreeing on a fair and transparent distribution mechanism for oil revenues and to enhancing the governance of Libyan economic and financial institutions.

The European Union reiterates its full support to the UN and the Libyans in implementing these principles. We reaffirm our commitment to the Libyan people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, united, stable and prosperous country.

“Michel Barnier just debriefed the UK Coordination Group in the European Parliament about the seventh negotiation round with the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, the past weeks have shown few results. Another month has passed without any meaningful progress. Losing precious time now in the hope of getting a better deal in a last-minute poker game is not helpful, and potentially very detrimental for both sides.

We only have a few weeks ahead of us. The EU is not gambling and has no incentive to do so. I reiterate that the European Parliament needs time to scrutinise the agreement before giving its consent. The end of October remains the solid deadline for starting to ratify the agreement by the end of the year. Parallel progress on all crucial topics (level playing field, governance, fisheries) is therefore essential. We do need fair economic and social conditions in order to preserve our EU model. This is not a technocratic position, but the expression of the European Parliament’s determination to preserve EU standards and achievements in many areas including environmental standards, for the sake and well-being of EU citizens.

In parallel, continued engagement on implementing the Withdrawal Agreement remains as essential as time goes by. In particular on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and citizens’ rights.”

For further information contact:

Office of Mr David McALLISTER, tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@ep.europa.eu

Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, tel. +32 2 283 23 44, e-mail: afet-secretariat@ep.europa.eu

A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will take place in Vienna on 1 September.

The Joint Commission will be chaired on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell by EEAS Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid and will be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.

On Thursday 20 August, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell spoke with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, on the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections of 9 August. In his capacity as coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission, the High Representative/Vice-President also spoke with Minister Lavrov about the recent US proposals at the UN Security Council.

On Belarus, the High Representative/Vice-President again expressed that the European Union considers that the recent Belarus elections were neither free nor fair, and that the EU therefore does not recognise the results.

High Representative Borrell stressed that the situation in Belarus has the European Union’s utmost attention, as reflected by the recent meetings of EU Foreign Ministers on 14 August and EU Heads of State or Government on 19 August. Following the two phone calls between European Council President Charles Michel and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday 18 August and Thursday 20 August, High Representative Borrell reiterated the need for a national inclusive dialogue in Belarus leading to a constructive and peaceful solution in respect of the Belarusian people’s fundamental rights. Any negative external interference must be avoided. It is for the Belarusian people to determine their country’s future.

High Representative Borrell underlined the EU’s clear message of support to Belarus’ independence, sovereignty, and the democratic choice of the Belarusian people, as well as their fundamental rights and freedoms.

The European Union stands ready to contribute to efforts to facilitate a peaceful and constructive way out of the crisis. In this regard, the EU fully supports OSCE proposals for dialogue in Belarus and is ready to provide assistance to further them if required. As an OSCE Member State, the High Representative hoped that Russia could have a positive influence in supporting such proposals.

The High Representative also indicated to Foreign Minister Lavrov that the European Union is working on sanctions targeting those responsible for violence, the repression of peaceful protests, and the falsification of election results in Belarus. He also outlined the EU’s intention to support the Belarusian population in light of the violence, repression and erosion of fundamental freedoms.

On the JCPOA, the High Representative reaffirmed his determination to continue to work with Russia, the other remaining participants of the JCPOA and the international community to preserve the agreement.

The High Representative had earlier that day wished a swift recovery to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. The European Union expects a swift, independent and thorough investigation into his suspected poisoning and, if confirmed, for those responsible to be held to account. We still expect the Russian authorities to stand by their promises to allow Mr Navalny to be safely and speedily transferred abroad in order to receive medical treatment, in line with the wishes of his family.