On Sunday, the German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the arms embargo in Libya remains a key factor in solving the conflict. He added that there will be no incentive for the parties to the conflict to end their destructive behaviour, if stakeholders fail to end the constant flow of weapons, military equipment and personnel.
In an interview with the Al-Araby al-Jadeed news website, Maas said that he has just recently witnessed that positive developments through negotiations are possible, praising the Montreux talks held between representatives of all relevant Libyan parties and groups, under the auspices of the United Nations.
The German top diplomat noted that peace in Libya is possible, and there is no doubt that the Libyans are tired of conflict and want to rebuild their country.
Maas also urged the international community to unite behind these efforts in order to strengthen the UN-led process, noting that this is something his country means to support with the Berlin Process.
“I am very pleased that I will co-chair a side-event on Libya together with the UN Secretary General during the UNGA meeting on Monday,” the German Foreign Minister stated.
Maas also pointed out, “In our ongoing discussions with Libyan actors, we keep expressing our demands to close all detention centres while creating sustainable alternatives for migrants and refugees.”
“The safety of migrants at sea is a legal and humanitarian obligation. Therefore, we support the ongoing EU measures aimed at enabling the Libyan Coast Guard to perform its search and rescue obligations in the Mediterranean Sea in accordance with international law,” he added.
Maas also stressed the importance of combatting the networks of human traffickers who put the lives of vulnerable refugees and migrants at risk.
The German Foreign Minister confirmed that there is a Franco-German-Italian consensus to impose sanctions against violators of the arms embargo decision to Libya, especially Turkey, which has announced more than once its intention to continue its militarily support to the Government of National Accord’s forces.