Mideast: Mogherini calls for common EU initiative and FAC meeting on Iraq and Libya

Minister for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini cited the need for a common EU position on the crises in Gaza, Iraq and Libya. “It is good that every country takes action on the Gaza tragedy, as Germany, France and Great Britain have done, and as Italy has done and continues to do in meetings this week, constant contacts with all regional actors and contributions through the Cooperation”, she said. “Now it is necessary for the EU as a whole to sponsor a common effort and urge a ceasefire that leads to a lasting truce and to a definitive solution to the conflict”, she continued. “But there also have to be initiatives for Libya and Iraq. For that reason, I believe it would be advisable to convene the EU Foreign Affairs Council as soon as possible. The Union’s Political and Security Committee is already meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, and we will attempt to see to it that all 28 countries express themselves together”, she added, “but the EU foreign ministers need to confront the crises that are inflaming the entire Mediterranean area directly”.