In view of the recent events which were taking place in Libya, following UN Security Council Resolution 1973 from 18 March, and give that Colonel Gaddafi's disregard of international community's claims, world leaders met in Paris on 19 March in a Summit in order to study the decide of further steps to take. Participants expressed that, while contributing in differentiated way to the implementation of UNSCR 1973, they are determined to act collectively and resolutely to give full effect to these decisions. Within this context, the European Union is ready to implement Resolution 1973 within its mandate and competences.

In their conclusions after the Paris Summit on support to the Libyan People held on 18 March, participants highlighted that despite the demands which the Security Council expressed in UNSCR 1970 on 26 February, despite the condemnations of the European Union, the Arab League, African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference’s Secretary-General, as well as very many governments in the world, the Libyan regime has stepped up its violence in order to impose by force its will on that of its people. This situation is, as stated by the participants, intolerable.

Participants in the Paris Summit expressed their satisfaction after the adoption of UNSC 1973 which, inter alia, demands an immediate and complete ceasefire, authorises the taking of all necessary measures to protect civilians against attacks and establishes a no-fly zone over Libya. Finally, it strengthened and clarified the arms embargo vis-à-vis the Libyan regime and the rules applicable to the Libyan asset freeze, in particular on the National Oil Company, and travel restrictions against the Gaddafi’s regime. They are therefore determined to take all necessary action, including military, consistent with UNSCR 1973, to ensure compliance with all its requirements.

They also recalled that this commitment is for the long term, and will not let Colonel Gaddafi and his regime go on defying the will of the international community and scorning that of his people. Commitment to continue aid to the Libyans is strong so that they can rebuild their country, fully respecting Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

EU stands firmly with international community on UNSCR 1973 about Libya

President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton took part at the Paris Summit reiterating the European Union's position regarding the situation in Libya, and expressing that the European Union is ready to implement Resolution 1973 within its mandate and competences.

As highlighted by High Representative Ashton, the UN Security Council resolution 1973 has sent a strong and unequivocal message to Colonel Gaddafi, so that the violence against the people must stop immediately, and the Libyan population must be protected. The message is therefore quite clear: either he abides immediately by the UNSC resolution or the international community will have no choice but to continue to act.

President Van Rompuy underlined in his address to the Summit that all the requirements were met in order for the international community to take action. The legal base was dully provided by the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which is a quite clear base to protect population from Libya. In this context, President Van Rompuy also thanked those who took this Resolution and very specially UN Secretary-General, for all his support.

The European Union was from the beginning of the crisis at the forefront by imposing tough sanctions, even further of what was decided in the UN Security Council, as well as by providing humanitarian aid. As the events go further, the EU also stands ready for further actions in this field as well as to help a new Libya economically and in the building of its new Institutions.