Western — 6 June 2016

Jun 6, 2016 | International actors

The European Union (EU) is pushing for increased authority to enforce the existing embargo on arms shipments Libya. Speaking to the UN Security Council on 6 June, EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini urged members to authorize EU naval operations in the Mediterranean Sea “to enforce the UN arms embargo on the high seas, off the coast of Libya.” This request would allow the existing naval effort, Operation Sophia, to expand its mandate in international waters to include the interception of ships carrying weapons into Libya. Diplomats on the Security Council have said they expect the measure to come up for a vote in mid-June.