Dear Excellencies, dear colleagues, first of all, I want to thank the government of Italy and, in person, Minister Frederica Mogherini for hosting this highly important conference, thus offering the opportunity to the international community to address the situation in Libya and explore possibilities to ensure a swift and inclusive democratic transition in the country.
From the outset, Greece supported the people of Libya in their struggle for freedom, democracy, peace, security and prosperity. Hundreds of wounded civilians have been transported to Greece for medical assistance. Further to that, we will certainly continue supporting the Libyan people in their aspirations for a solid democratic future.
Recent breaches of security and outbreaks of violence in the country have raised concerns regarding the transition process and further underscore the importance of a credible, all-inclusive Dialogue and comprehensive National Reconciliation. This is the key to ensuring progress towards a stable and cohesive Libyan state.
On the political and institution-building level, it is of paramount importance that, in full respect for the principle of national ownership and national responsibility, we encourage Libya to demonstrate its determination to continue, without any delay, building the necessary Institutional Framework that is indispensable for the democratic transition. We welcome the formation of the newly elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly, and we look forward to a successful outcome of its work. Democracy depends essentially on the rule of law, including a Constitution that provides, among other things, for the respect of human rights.
The respect of the rights of all the components of Libyan society is also of fundamental importance to safeguard the territorial integrity of Libya and the ability of the central Libyan Authorities to exercise full powers all over the country.
Ongoing insecurity feeds extremism and terrorism, not only in Libya, but also in parts of the broader region. This, in turn, might have serious repercussions in Europe, such as a further increase in illegal migratory flows.
In this respect, we appreciate Libya’s efforts to put a regional approach at the heart of these complex issues. As a country which is faced with important challenges related to border management and illegal migration, Greece supports the principles of prevention, protection, solidarity and burden-sharing of responsibility in order to prevent the loss of lives at sea.
The alarming security challenges, more evident in the East and the South of the Libyan territory, remain the most serious threat to the stability and - in the medium and longer term - to the territorial integrity and national unity of the country.
Enhancing the security situation is an absolute priority which must be addressed in conjunction with economic priorities: redressing the economy would benefit security.
In this respect, it is absolutely necessary to restore the Libyan Authorities’ full control over the natural resources of the country and the undisrupted use of the infrastructure which is vital for oil exports. This step would significantly improve the economic situation of the Libyan society and State.
Our meeting here in Rome is a clear demonstration of the International Community’s commitment to stand by the Libyan people in their struggle to successfully go through these turbulent times.
Greece, as a Mediterranean country, has a particular interest in Libya, a neighbor and a longstanding friend. On behalf of the Greek Government, but also in the capacity of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, allow me to assure you that, in cooperation with the Libyan Authorities and the International Community, we will spare no effort to help create a functional state that respects democracy, the rule of law, human rights – including those of the minorities – freedom of expression and justice.
Thank you.
March 6, 2014