Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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745. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, in conjunction with his European Union colleagues, may continue to encourage the installation of democratic structures in Libya, that have been the subject of regime change in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Since the elections which took place little more than a year ago, Libya has descended into conflict. This has had a catastrophic impact on the people of Libya, with the number of internally displaced persons having doubled since September 2014. Libya has been discussed by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on eight occasions since the elections which took place in 2014. The EU has repeatedly called for all parties to end the conflict and give their support to the UN-led negotiations process led by Mr Bernardino Leon, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Libya. The EU has also addressed the serious humanitarian consequences of the conflict and its appalling impact on the Libyan people. While Leon has reported slow but steady progress in the talks process, a political deal remains elusive and violence continues to plague the country. Reports last week of escalating violence in the city of Benghazi are deeply concerning.

I reiterate Ireland’s full support for the UN brokered talks. I hope that, with the full participation of all relevant actors, these negotiations will lead to an agreement on a government of national unity and a sustainable ceasefire. I believe that such a political agreement achieved through dialogue is the best hope for restoring effective governance, and law and order to Libya.