Libyan political rivals blocking new unity government can face sanctions from EU

Libyan political rivals who have expressed opposition against the establishment of a new unity government in their nation stand to face sanctions should European Union diplomats make a joint decision to implement it. The sanctions come in the form of travel bans and frozen assets. Fears that Libya is becoming a launching pad for ISIS plans to destabilize Europe, compounded with unrest from LIbya spiling over into the continent, is provoking this discussion.

Yahoo News discloses the two names of the Libyan leaders who have come to the attention of the European diplomats:  Nouri Abusahmain, who heads Libya's General Congress; and Khalifa al-Ghwell, the leader of one of its two parliaments.  

According to Business Insider, these two hardliners have been instrumental in delaying the new unity government which the United Nations regards as the only solution to put Libya's unrest to an end. But they are not the only ones opposing the U.N. proposal. At least five Libyan military commanders, legislators in LIbya's House of Representatives, and the General National Congress have blocked attempts to create a new government.

Al Arabiyah English says that without an opposition, that government can be created in just ten days. The urgency is spurred by European fears of ISIS creating a Libyan launching pad that can pose a threat to the continent's security. The terrorist group is taking advantage of the chaos and unrest happening in Libya, using the dissatisfaction of the people to gain an increasing number of recruits. Civil war erupted in Libya five years ago at the ouster of  strongman Moamar Quaddafi. Warlords vied for power and set up different centers of government; one is  based in the capital Tripoli, while the other is in the internationally-recognized national center, Tobruk.

The United Nations concluded that only a new government can bring unity and peace to the country. The European Union supported this recommendation, and was adamant in removing all opposition to a fresh administration. This in turn led to its proposed sanctions against non-cooperative Libyan leaders who will spoil the peace process.

Tags

Libya, Sanctions, European Union, new unity government

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