The European Union is considering helping Libya strengthen its borders and disarm militias if a government of national unity is formed in the country, a EU document seen by Reuters says.

The document, produced by officials working for the EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, was sent to European capitals on Monday, the same day Libya’s internationally recognised parliament rejected a United Nations plan for such a government..

EU diplomats discussed the paper in a meeting in Brussels yesterday in preparation for a debate on this topic at the next regular EU foreign affairs meeting scheduled on November 16.

Six options are listed to strengthen security in the North-African country, ranging from actions possible “regardless of the “political situation”in Libya, and others that would instead require a green-light from Libyan authorities once a government of national unity is formed. All EU actions would be conducted in agreement with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and as a complement to its operations.

If Libya’s factions agree on a unity government, the EU would start detailed talks with the Libyans within 90 days for a military or civilian mission focused on the “demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration” of mili-tiamen in the country, the document says.

As soon as a deal is reached, the EU could send civilians to monitor ceasefires among the factions in the field. It could also use local personnel trained by European officers.

If a peace deal holds, the EU action “would be of modest scale and limited to support to a mediation unit, provision of aerial monitoring and possibly civilian monitors,” the document says, adding a military option would be considered if ceasefires are not effective.

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