EU Worried by Libya's 'Deteriorating Security'

EU foreign ministers on Monday expressed concern over the "significant deterioration" in Libya as troops deployed and militias were ordered out of the capital following deadly clashes.

"The EU is concerned by the significant deterioration of both the political and security situation in Libya and condemns the violence in Tripoli on 15 November," the European Union ministers said in a joint statement.

The unrest erupted Friday when former rebels from Misrata fired on protesters, triggering clashes that killed 43 people and wounded 450.

"The EU urges all parties to avoid further bloodshed and refrain from further violence," the statement said.

It urged authorities to continue efforts to integrate militiamen by disarming them and blending them into official security forces.

The ministers also reiterated the EU's commitment to support Libya in its transition towards democracy and urged the authorities to report human rights violations, including against migrants, and to bring those responsible to justice.

They offered further help in assisting the Libyan government destroy unsecured stockpiles of arms and munitions from the Gadhafi era that "pose a significant threat to the stability and security" of Libya and to its neighbors.