German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has called for increased pressure on countries found violating the UN arms embargo on Libya.
“It is not always possible to give up the names of these countries publicly as well.” Maas told German news agency DPA, adding that “preparation for this in the European Union is constantly increasing”.
The European Union began a naval operation named ‘IRINI’ to monitor the United Nations’ arms embargo on Libya.
Shipments of weapons entering the country can be monitored via satellite, but they cannot yet be stopped.
The UN has only released information to date on violations of the arms embargo.
Maas said that the EU has not yet criticized these countries publicly for their violations, adding “I think this will soon happen”.
Germany assumed a mediating role in the Libyan conflict. In January, Maas and Chancellor Angela Merkel invited countries wielding influence over the war in Libya to attend a summit in Berlin.
Despite the commitment of all invited parties to prohibit the supply of weapons there, violations continue.
Maas claimed that no new summit is currently on the horizon on Libya, “but when the goals set are implemented, or at least when there is a plan, I undoubtedly envision the possibility of a summit. However, that will require a lot of time”.