Brussels, 23/08/2011 (Agence Europe) - As fighting between the opposition rebels and forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi continues in Tripoli, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy say in a joint press releases on Monday 22 August that the quest for freedom by the people of Libya is coming to a “historic moment”. They urge Gaddafi to “accept the will of the people, step down immediately, and avoid further bloodshed and suffering”. In a separate statement on developments in the situation in Libya, also released on Monday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton also called on Gaddafi to hand over power.
Barroso and Van Rompuy believe that the way is now open to Libya for freedom and self-determination. They state that the European Union will continue to support the country in its transition to democracy and economic reconstruction, “based on social justice, inclusiveness and territorial integrity, together with the international community”. They say that “the developments in Libya are giving fresh momentum to the Arab spring”.
Ashton, who says that “we are witnessing the last moments of the Gaddafi regime”, calls on the National Transitional Council and opposition forces to ensure the protection of civilians, to fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law and to act with responsibility in the interests of maintaining peace and stability throughout the country. She hails the courage of those who have fought to allow Libya to move forward into a new era. She goes on: “It is now time to launch a process of transition towards a new Libya, in which democratic principles, justice and human rights are fully respected”. She states that “the coming months and years will test the resourcefulness and determination of the Libyan people”. She has “no doubt”, however, that they will rise to this challenge and that they will unite to ensure that Libya takes its place in the international community as a prosperous, stable and democratic state. She gave the assurance that, “for its part the EU will continue to offer support and will remain a strong and committed partner for the Libyan people”. (O.L./transl.rt)