Pekka Haavisto: We look now seriously at the renewal of the mandate of the Sophia operation

From the Finnish perspective, it is very important but we look now seriously at the renewal of the mandate of the Sophia operation because it could help in the control of the arms embargo. #eudebates #Libya #AfricanUnion #India #Borrell #EUCouncil We also give our full support to the follow up of the Berlin process and then looking in the future if the EU could also do more to support the ceasefire and controlling the ceasefire in Libya. The new mandate of the Sophia operation is important.

Currently it has been interesting to follow Turkey, Russia, the action on the ground and supporting different parties in Libya and I think it's very important the EU stays united and looks strongly for peaceful solutions under the UN decisions on the Libya conflict.

Well, let us see how is the debate. We know that the rescue component has been a sensitive one. Finland says that the normal international laws on rescue should be supported but the most important is to control the arms embargo. Thank you.
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The Foreign Affairs Council is chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The debate focuses on current affairs, the situation in Libya, and relations with the African Union and India.

Ministers first have a discussion on current affairs, looking at pressing issues on the international agenda, like the situation in the Middle East, Sahel, Venezuela and the Western Balkans.

The Council reviews the EU's relationship with the African Union, in anticipation of the European Commission's new comprehensive strategy on Africa.

Ministers discuss about the latest developments in Libya, following up on the Foreign Affairs Councils from 10 and 20 January. During the previous two meetings, the Council had expressed concern over the aggravating crisis in the area, agreeing on the need for EU engagement to prevent further escalation.

The Council also exchanges views on EU-India relations.

Afterwards, over an informal lunch, ministers meet the Minister of External Affairs of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to discuss, among others, the preparations for the upcoming EU-India Summit, scheduled on 13 March 2020.

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