Al-Wefaq opposes EU operation to enforce UN arms embargo in Libya

CAIRO – 18 April 2020: In an attempt to enforce the UN arms embargo in Libya, the European Union has decided to launch of a new CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) military operation in the Mediterranean, namely IRINI.

IRINI, (Greek for "peace"), will have as its core task the implementation of the UN arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets, according to the EU.

In particular, the mission will be able to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution, 2292 (2016), the EU statement added.

The mandate of Operation IRINI will initially last until 31 March 2021 and will be under the close scrutiny of EU Member States, that will exercise political control and strategic direction through the Political and Security Committee (PSC), under the responsibility of the Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Diplomacy cannot succeed unless it is backed by action. #Irini is not the only solution, but it is an important part of the solution.
The goal is to stop the flow of arms to Libya and contributing to a sustainable ceasefire.#EUDefence https://t.co/rm52gStwvK pic.twitter.com/l29Z7oa85c

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) March 31, 2020

Director of the Department of Moral Guidance in the Libyan National Army (LNA), Colonel Khaled Al Mahjoub, has welcomed the EU operation, saying this embargo will positively affect the national security of not only Libya but a number of neighboring states.

He confirmed that the LNA is willing to announce a humanitarian truce due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, so long as the other parties abide by it.

On the other hand, Al-Wefaq government, has strongly opposed the EU operation as it will hinder arms smuggle, especially from Turkey, to its militias and terrorist elements.

Turkey sent military tanks and weapons into Libya via the Mediterranean just days after agreeing to a UN arms embargo to the country, according to a BBC investigative report showing satellite images, pictures, and videos proving the Turkish violations.

Satellite images published in the BBC showed three Turkish ships being escorted by two G-Class frigates.

Sarraj relies on a plethora of militias, including Islamist and terrorist groups, formed in and after the 2011 uprising against former president Muammar Qaddafi.