EU to impose sanctions on Libyans over stalled peace talks

The European Union is preparing sanctions against five Libyans believed to be obstructing a UN-backed peace deal, Western diplomats said on Monday, after EU foreign ministers agreed to put pressure on all sides to negotiate. The diplomats said that three senior militants who have threatened to carry out acts of violence against any future unity government, as well as two military commanders who claim that their factions cannot abide by any agreement, will be hit with travel bans to the EU and an asset freeze if they do not change their position.

According to the EU, a deal backed by the UN is the only way to end the war between rival governments fighting over power in the major oil-producing country, four years after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi. Brussels will use the sanctions to try to force all parties back to the negotiating table.

Some warring factions in Libya signed an initial agreement earlier this month, sponsored by the UN, to form a unity government and end the fighting. However, the Tripoli-based parliament, the General National Congress, refused to attend.

The EU foreign ministers did not disclose further details or the names of the individuals in question, but foreign policy head Federica Mogherini told reporters, “We are prepared to adopt sanctions, we are considering names.”