Libya's current military escalation is destabilising the country "and the entire region", increasing the risk of terrorism, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Friday in a statement that deplored the deadly bombing of a migrant centre east of Tripoli earlier this week.
"The ongoing conflict is destabilising Libya and the entire region and has increased the risk of terrorism and of the tragic loss of human lives," Mogherini said in a statement.
"The shocking attack on the Tajoura detention centre that caused the death of dozens of refugees and migrants and injured many more, including children and women, is a stark reminder of how the war in Libya is affecting civilians. We condemn it in the strongest terms. "
Mogherini's statement called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict and for an end to the fighting in an around Tripoli between militias loyal to the internationally recognised government and eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar's forces.
Mogherini also called on the warring sides in the three-month-old battle for control of Tripoli to lay down their arms and return to inclusive talks in a United Nations led mediation process.
"We reiterate that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya," the statement underlined.
"We call on all UN Member States to fully respect their obligations to contribute to Libya’s peace and stability, prevent destabilising arms shipments, safeguard Libya's oil resources and protect its infrastructure in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions."
The EU stood ready to "step up collective efforts to address the situation" and to help the several thousand migrants and refugees detained in the chaos-stricken country, she said.
"In this regard, we welcome the UNHCR (UN refugee agency) and IOM (International Organisation for Migration)'s work in Libya and reiterate our full support to their mission and activities," the statement ended.
