EU calls on Libya to respect fundamental freedoms

2011-02-21 09:39:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- European Union (EU) High Representative Catherine Ashton on Sunday expressed concern as several deaths have been reported during the ongoing protests in Libya.

"We condemn the repression against peaceful demonstrators and deplore the violence and the death of civilians," Ashton said in reference to the reported deaths of a very high number of demonstrators in Libya. "We express our sympathy to the families and friends of the victims."

Ashton went on to say that the EU was urging Libyan authorities to exercise restraint and calm and to immediately refrain from further use of violence against peaceful demonstrators.

"Freedom of expression and the right to assemble, as provided for in particular by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are human rights and fundamental freedoms of every human being which must be respected and protected," Ashton underlined.

Furthermore, the High Representative said the EU was calling on the authorities to immediately cease the blocking of public access to the internet and mobile phone networks, adding that authorities must allow media to work freely throughout the country.

"The legitimate aspirations and demands of the people for reform must be addressed through open and meaningful Libyan-led dialogue," Ashton added, stating that the EU was expecting full cooperation by the authorities in protecting EU citizens.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-21

A slightly harder worded statement than any about ole Egypt and Bahrain. Then again old Gaddafi aint exactly a drinking buddy of the EU leaders like Mubarak and the entire Bahraini elite