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Foreign Conflicts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Ceisteanna (84)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

84. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the assertion by an organisation (details supplied) that Libya is not ready to hold free and fair elections; if this is a cause for concern in view of the EU's policy of aiding Libyan authorities to intercept migrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland fully supports the UN Special Representative, Ghassan Salamé’s, Action Plan for Libya, including efforts to form a functioning government under the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement. Holding elections is a key element of the Action Plan, and must be a priority for resolving Libya’s political fragmentation. There have been some positive signs on voter registration, with 2.5 million Libyans now eligible to vote, and, notably, a strong participation rate by women. I hope that this can be translated into a high turnout in the elections. However, I understand the concerns of those who caution that holding elections precipitately may complicate, rather than expedite, a lasting political solution to Libya’s governance crisis. Indeed, the UN Special Representative is conscious that there is much work to be done to lay the ground for credible elections, as he expressed in his briefing to the UN Security Council last week. Specifically, there are significant logistical challenges to holding elections in a country where armed groups control large swathes of territory, and where serious security threats persist. In addition, there are a number of constitutional and legislative measures that need to be resolved. Finally, there must be a commitment by all parties to accept the outcome of the elections.

As I have stated previously in the House, I am deeply troubled by the abuses perpetrated against migrants in Libya. My EU colleagues and I have raised these concerns on a number of occasions at the Foreign Affairs Council, as did the Taoiseach at the European Council in October. I call on the Libyan Government, and all parties, including those with de facto control of territory, to take steps to eliminate ill-treatment of migrants, and to facilitate access to detention centres by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations.

Libya needs a functioning coastguard in order to rescue people in danger at sea. It is unacceptable that, on being rescued, migrants would be placed in inhumane conditions. The EU provides training, including in international humanitarian law, human rights and gender issues, to Libyan authorities. The EU is also working with the African Union and the UN to save and protect the lives of migrants and refugees in Libya, accelerating assisted voluntary returns to countries of origin, and the resettlement of those in need of international protection. The success of this cooperation is dependent on a Libyan government with effective, united and accountable institutions.

In sum, a functioning and stable government for all Libyans is crucial to addressing the many challenges the country faces, including ongoing efforts to improve the situation of migrants and refugees, and to ensure accountability for their ill treatment. Free, inclusive and credible elections would be an important step in this direction. I call on the Libyan Government, and all parties to the conflict, to guarantee the freedoms of assembly, association and speech, in order to foster an environment in which the democratic will of the Libyan people can be freely expressed. I am conscious that this will be a considerable test for Libya, and indeed the international community, and will require a spirit of compromise and good will on all sides. However, if successful, this would represent an important milestone in Libya’s transition towards an inclusive, democratic and peaceful future.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 57.
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