EU removed Aguila Saleh from its sanctions blacklist
The European Union removed on Friday an east Libyan powerbroker from its sanctions blacklist to promote peace efforts and assure that the EU plays a principal role in any negotiated negotiation in Libya.
The EU reported that the leader of a rival parliament in eastern Libya, Aguila Saleh, no longer faces EU travel prohibitions and asset freezes imposed four years ago, and a Reuters report confirmed on September 9 that the so-called de-listing was scheduled.
An EU statement declared that the de-listing of speaker Saleh was agreed in light of his recent constructive engagement in support of a negotiated political solution to the Libyan crisis.
In fact, after months of inaction, European powers observe a chance to restore their role in Libya, which has been in disorder since the 2011 fall of former Libyan President Muammar Qaddafi, after a ceasefire in August and to fight against and Russian military involvement.
Indeed, the EU backs the Government of National Accord (GNA) based in the capital Tripoli; however, Saleh is seen that he has gained clout as a negotiating force relative to Eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, and he is seen as a pivotal figure in a push to bring the two sides of the Libyan conflict together.
