The High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, stated on 27 February European Union's full endorsement of the Resolution taken by the United Nations Security Council in order to implement sanctions on Libyan authorities in bid to stem violent repression. Meanwhile, the EU continues to work together to coordinate the evacuation of EU citizens and support humanitarian efforts.

In her statement, High Representative Ashton declared that the European Union had already started to work on restrictive measures such as assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo to Libyan regime, and she is in constant contact with international partners, including with the United nations and the United States in order to discuss next steps and take coordinated decisions. Within these conversations, High Representative Ashton met on 26 February with U.S Under Secretary of State Bill Burns, and had telephone conversation with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to discuss the next steps following United Nations' Security Council resolution.

UN Security Council Resolution regarding measures imposed on Libyan regime

The Security Council voted unanimously on 26 February its Resolution 1970 to impose sanctions against the Libyan authorities, slapping the country with an arms embargo and freezing the assets of its leaders, while referring the ongoing violent repression of civilian demonstrators to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In UN Resolution 1970, the Council obligated all United Nations Member States to “freeze without delay all funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the individuals or entities” listed in resolution.

In the EU's point of view, the UNSC resolution shows that what is taking place in Libya will not be tolerated by the international community, and that the international community is united in its efforts to stop the atrocities taking place in Libya. The violation of human rights must stop now, highlighted EU High Representative, and Gaddafi and the Libyan authorities know that their unacceptable and outrageous actions will have consequences.

The European Union once again urge Colonel Gaddafi to stop the violence to bring about a peaceful resolution of the situation which is acceptable to the people of Libya, as the people of Libya have spoken and he must now listen. High Representative Ashton stressed the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks on civilians and welcome the UNSC decision to refer to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Impunity for crimes committed, she stated, will not be tolerated by the international community.

Regarding EU citizens repatriation, Ashton underlined that the European External Action Service (EEAS) crisis response arrangements are fully in place together with ECHO, humanitarian assistance, evaluating constantly the situation and recommending action on all fronts. EU Civil Protection mechanism has been activated in order to help EU citizens evacuation from Libya and the Union is coordinating actions regarding the situation of EU citizens and progress on evacuation, political situation, as well as diplomatic efforts.