At the Plenary Session held in Strasbourg on 10 March, MEPs called on High Representative Ashton to recognise the Interim National Council as officially representing the Libyan opposition. The resolution, by all political groups, also calls on EU Member States to stand ready for a UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya, to prevent the Gaddafi regime targeting the population, and to help repatriate or resettle migrants fleeing the growing violence there.

In their Resolution about Libya, MEPs called on the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to establish relations with the rebels' representatives in the Interim Transitional National Council, in order to support and lend them more international credibility starting the process to make them official. The European Parliament also condemned in the strongest terms the blatant and systematic violations of human rights in Libya by Muammar Gaddafi's regime and called upon him to step down immediately, joining Commission's call for Gaddafi's resignation.

The Parliament considers that the EU High Representative and EU governments must stand ready for a decision in the UN Security Council on further measures, including the possibility of a no-fly zone, in compliance with a UN mandate and coordination with the Arab League and the African Union. They also welcomed the United Nations General Assembly's recent unanimous decision to suspend Libya from the UN Human Rights Council.

Great concern about the humanitarian crisis in Libyan border

MEPs showed their concern at the growing humanitarian crisis which has forced over 200,000 migrants to flee Libya. They appealed to the EU and Member States to supply air and maritime transportation to help repatriate or resettle migrants, asylum seekers and refugees from the country, as well as to offer the necessary assistance to the people crossing to Tunisia and helping with their repatriation to their home countries, in line with the International Organization for Migration's appeal.

The text condemns the gross and systematic human rights violations committed in Libya, and points out that some may be even crimes against humanity and ask for the dispatching of an independent international commission of inquiry to Libya.

In addition to their recommendations on the no-fly zone and on how to handle migration, MEPs also proposed that EU governments include a freeze on funds managed by the Libyan Investment Authority and the proceeds of oil and gas sales in the asset freeze imposed by the EU on the Gaddafi regime. Illegally-acquired assets must be investigated and returned to the Libyan people

Parliament also supports the development of a more ambitious and efficient Neighbourhood Policy that in future prioritises the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, press freedom and respect for basic rights.