UN to authorize EU to enforce Libya arms embargo

The UN Security Council was on Tuesday set to authorize an EU naval force to enforce the arms embargo on Libya by intercepting ships suspected of carrying weapons.

The 15-member council was to vote on a draft resolution that would expand the mission of Operation Sophia, which has been combating migrant-smuggling.

Last week, Britain has circulated a draft UN resolution that would authorize the EU naval force in the Mediterranean to intercept ships suspected of smuggling arms in waters off Libya, in what would be a new attempt to tighten the noose aroundIslamic State in its stronghold of Sirte.

The enforcement is partly necessary because the UN wants to send selected arms to the government of national accord. However, a partial lifting of the arms embargo increases the threat of arms reaching either Isis or militias that do not recognize the authority of the GNA.

(With agencies)