Libya: European Union struggles to control arms embargo

This "Falcon 50" of the French Navy is on a mission off Libya as part of Sophia, September 22, 2016. RFI / Olivier Fourt

Text by: RFI Follow

Due to a refusal by Austria, the European Union will not reach an agreement this Monday, February 17, concerning the resumption of the naval operation Sophia. Initiated in 2015, the operation aims to control the UN arms embargo on Libya.

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" I do not think we are able to do that, " admitted the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, shortly before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. In fact, for Operation Sophia to be relaunched, “ unanimity is necessary ” and “ if we don't get it, we can't go forward, ” said Josep Borrell.

Decided in 2015, the mandate of Operation Sophia was extended until March 31, 2020. But the operation will not resume immediately since Austria refuses to resume naval operations . The country believes that this operation is " an entry ticket to Europe for thousands of illegal migrants ", a position confirmed by the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, in an interview with the daily Die Welt .

Europe " must be able to do European politics "

European ships had been withdrawn from the Mediterranean following Italy's refusal to let migrants rescued at sea disembark on its territory.

Josep Borrel was even optimistic. " If we cannot agree today, we will try to do so at the next council " of foreign ministers scheduled for March 23 in Brussels, he said. " I cannot imagine that a country like Austria will say no in the end, " added Luxembourg's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, " I understand that Europe is sometimes not able to play politics. world, but it must be able to do European politics ”.

( with AFP )

►To listen: [Report] Operation Sophia: off the coast of Libyan chaos

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  • European Union
  • Libya
  • Austria

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