The European Union (EU) Arabic Spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa, Luis Miguel Bueno, stressed that Libya is a priority for the EU, and they are strongly and actively involved in resolving the crisis.
In press statements, Bueno added that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis, saying that the only way to overcome the crisis is through the political process and not by military means.
The EU Spokesperson explained that there is an opportunity to look forward and see how the international community can help Libya consolidate this great progress, adding that this is a historic opportunity that cannot be missed.
The EU Spokesman stressed that two priorities must be addressed, namely organising the general elections on December 24th, and the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries.
Libya has witnessed a total number of 229,406 infections, of which 40,792 are still currently active, with a total of 3,344 deaths since the outbreak began in the country during March 2020.
Last week, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) warned of the recent rapid rise in the number of daily COVID-19 infections in Libya. It noted that the country has registered 1,710 cases within only 24 hours.
It also called on Libyan citizens to protect themselves, their families and the community by getting vaccinated, and also by abiding by wearing a face mask, keeping physical distance and washing hands regularly.
On July 9th, the Libyan government announced the closure of the country’s borders with Tunisia for a week. It also decided to suspend classes at schools and universities for two weeks, as Libya grapples with a rise in COVID-19 infections.