LOC21:31
18:31 GMT
BRUSSELS, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- The EU should not sign a Framework Agreement
with Libya, which is currently under negotiation, without guaranteeing that
Libya takes concrete steps to improve respect for human rights, namely of
refugees and migrants, the group of Socialists and Democrats (S and D) in the
European Parliament said here Tuesday.
The EU-Libya agreement covers a wide range of areas including political,
economics and culture.
"The EU-Libya Framework Agreement can be a positive step to promote mutual
understanding but the European Parliament cannot accept an agreement that is
not in compliance with European fundamental values", said S and D Member of
the European Parliament Ana Gomes, in a statement here tonight.
Gomes who is also the European Parliament rapporteur on this agreement said
"Libya must accept a legal presence of UNHCR in the country and a readmission
agreement could only be envisaged for irregular immigrants, excluding those
who declare themselves asylum-seekers, refugees or persons in need of
protection".
The Libyan authorities should also accept a moratorium on the death
penalty , added the Portuguese MEP.
The European Parliament will adopt its position on the negotiations on the
EU-Libya Framework Agreement during its full session later this month.
The S and D is the second-largest group in the EP. (end)
nk.bs
KUNA 112131 Jan 11NNNN