Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The current political and security situation in Libya, as the Deputy has outlined, is both highly complex and precarious and remains a matter of deep concern, both for Ireland and for the international community generally. Since the fall of Colonel Gadaffi in 2011, serious difficulties, including a weak and divided central government, impotent defence institutions and a proliferation of militias vying for influence, have undermined cohesion in the country. Overall, two broad political camps have emerged, representing Islamist factions of varied stripes on the one hand and a loose alliance of anti-Islamist nationalists, federalists and tribal militias on the other. This ongoing instability has understandably led to rising popular discontent and frustration with the political process.

Recent months have been particularly worrying. Blockades of oil ports by militias in the east of the country have starved the government of vital revenue. The government's perceived poor handling of attempts by militias to illegally export this oil resulted in the General National Congress, GNC, sacking former Prime Minister Ali Zeidan in March, while his replacement, interim Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni, resigned following an attack on his family home in the middle of April. Somewhat controversially, due to doubts over the circumstances of his election, Ahmed Maiteeq, a prominent businessman with links to the Muslim Brotherhood, has now been nominated as Prime Minister-designate, the third Prime Minister so far this year and the fifth in the past two and a half years.

Recent weeks have seen a further deterioration. On 16 and 17 May, forces loyal to the renegade, anti-Islamist, General Khalifa Haftar launched an extensive air and ground operation in Benghazi against Islamist militias, reportedly killing some 70 people. Two days later, General Haftar sent his paramilitary force, the Libyan National Army, to attack the parliament building in Tripoli, precipitating heavy clashes which resulted in two dead and 60 wounded.

Both Ireland and the EU are extremely concerned at the repeated use of violence in Libya, and this latest deterioration in particular. As was stated in reply to a parliamentary question last week, Ireland strongly condemns the actions of all militias in Libya and calls on all sides to refrain from further use of force and urgently to return to dialogue and reconciliation as a means of restoring stability. The EU has also voiced its strong concerns over the current situation through a declaration on behalf of all 28 member states, which issued on 24 May. The declaration called on all sides to refrain from the use of force and to address differences by political means. It also emphasised the importance of an inclusive Libyan political dialogue and encouraged all parties to actively co-operate with the UN Special Mission in Libya in reaching agreement on a political roadmap for the transition period.

High Representative Ashton last month appointed a special envoy for Libya, Mr. Bernardino Leon, to further co-ordinate and enhance the EU's actions in support of the Libyan people. The special envoy visited Tripoli on 24 and 25 May and is actively engaged in efforts to promote urgent dialogue within Libya and a political way forward out of the current crisis. The EU is also supporting the process of transition and post-conflict reconstruction within Libya through the EU Border Assistance Mission aimed at improving and developing the security of the country's borders.

There is no doubting the desire of the Libyan people to fashion a new democratic dispensation within their country. Fresh elections may be held in late June, and if these can proceed with broad agreement, it may provide an opportunity to promote that greater internal dialogue within Libya which is so urgently needed. Similarly, work on preparation of a new constitution should proceed, following the election of a constitutional drafting assembly in April. Ireland and the European Union will continue to offer all possible political support and assistance that they can to support the transition to democratic rule in Libya.

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