EU Foreign Affairs ministers meeting in Brussels on 21 February in a Council meeting chaired by High Representative Catherine Ashton, took an in-depth discussion on the situation in the EU's Southern neighbourhood and expressed its support for the legitimate hopes and aspirations for democratic change, social justice and economic development of peoples of the South Mediterranean. In particular, the Council condemned the ongoing repression against demonstrators in Libya and deplored the violence and the death of civilians.

As violence grows in the streets of the main cities of Libya and different sources report hundreds of deaths from demonstrators against the regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi, EU Foreign Affairs ministers renewed EU's condemnation to violence and repression in Libya as expressed in the declaration made by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on 20 February. Ministers called for an immediate end to the use of force against protesters, and for all parties to show restraint.

The Council also called for freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully to be respected and protected and for the legitimate aspirations and demands of people for reform to be addressed through an open, inclusive, meaningful and national Libyan-led dialogue, that would bring a constructive future for the country and for the people.

Although EU Council did not announce any joint action to repatriate EU nationals, some Member states have already launched actions in this direction. Furthermore, some companies, mainly international oil groups and sub-contractors operating in the country have announced their intention to close up operations and get their workers out of the country.

Situation in the Southern Neighbourhood: Bahrain, Yemen, Tunisia, Egypt

Regarding the situation in other countries of the area, the Council welcomed the decision of Bahrain's authorities to open a national dialogue. It also urged the Yemeni authorities to reach out to the people through a comprehensive national dialogue.

The Council confirmed its solidarity with the people of Tunisia and the EU's engagement in support of their efforts to establish a stable democracy, based on the rule of law and pluralism, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to contribute to socio-economic development and institution-building. It reiterated its commitment to mobilising appropriate means and instruments in this regard.

Ministers saluted the courage of the people of Egypt in their peaceful and dignified mobilisation for democratic change. The reminded that the EU stands ready to support the peaceful and orderly transition to a civilian and democratic government based on the rule of law in Egypt, with full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms and to substantively support efforts to create an economy which enhances social cohesion and promotes growth. The Council encouraged the transitional leadership in Egypt to set a clear timetable and take steps for constitutional reform, which will pave the way for free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections.