Foreign Secretary describes situation in Libya as "deplorable and unacceptable"
"We are today summoning the Libyan Ambassador to London to the Foreign Office, to convey in the strongest terms our absolute condemnation of the use of lethal force against demonstrators"
Foreign Secretary William Hague is in Brussels for talks with EU Foreign Ministers. Speaking ahead of the meeting the Foreign Secretary said:
“The UK is gravely concerned about the situation in Libya which is deplorable and unacceptable.
We are today summoning the Libyan Ambassador to London to the Foreign Office, to convey in the strongest terms our absolute condemnation of the use of lethal force against demonstrators.
Britain is calling for:
- an immediate end to the violence and the killing of protesters, and for all parties to act in a restrained and humane manner
- a full investigation into the events in Benghazi and Eastern Libya and a commitment that those responsible will be held accountable
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a commitment to genuine dialogue and political and economic reform, well beyond the limited concessions offered to date
- access for international human rights monitors as soon as circumstances allow
- the lifting of restrictions on the internet and media, and an end to the intimidation and detention of journalists
- the Libyan government to offer full protection to foreign nationals in Libya and to provide assistance to those who would like to leave
I am about to meet other EU Foreign Ministers. I will be calling for a clear signal to the Libyan Government that it must act in accordance with universal norms of human rights and the rule of law and address the legitimate grievances of the Libyan people. Whether and how it does this will condition its future relationship with all of the EU.
The world is watching Libya, with mounting concern. The Libyan Government should be in no doubt that it will be held accountable by the international community for its actions.
The Libyan government’s refusal to recognise the extent of their people’s concerns and disregard for their safety undermines their credibility. The Libyan government must take responsibility for the safety of its people.”