BRUSSELS, 23 FEBRUARY 2011 DECLARATION BY THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE CATHERINE ASHTON ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ON LIBYA.

BRUSSELS -- The following information was released by the European Union:

The European Union expresses its grave concern by the situation unfolding in Libya. We strongly condemn the violence and use of force against civilians and deplore the repression against peaceful demonstrators which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. These brutal mass violations of human rights are unacceptable.

The EU reiterates its call for an immediate end to the use of force and for steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue. All restrictions of freedom of expression, including the internet, and of peaceful assembly must be lifted immediately. The will of the people in Libya must be respected and the EU stands by them.

We welcome the UN Security Council statement of 22 February 2011, which calls on the Government of Libya to meet its responsibility to protect its population and which calls on the Libyan authorities to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. We also welcome the Arab League statement of 22 February.

Immediate access should be provided for international human rights monitors and humanitarian agencies. The EU is ready to supply humanitarian aid where needed.

The EU also urges the Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals, and to facilitate the departure of those wishing to leave the country.

The EU also welcomes the UN Security Council's call for a transparent, credible and independent investigation into events in Libya and the holding of a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on 25 February.

In this context, the EU stresses that those responsible for the brutal aggression and violence against civilians will be held to account. The EU has decided to suspend negotiations with Libya on the EU-Libya Framework Agreement and is ready to take further measures.