Brussels, 14/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 14 September, MEPs discussed the situation in Libya. Poland's Secretary of State for European Affairs Mikolaj Dowgielewicz said the country is entering a process of democracy, demobilisation and justice, and that it is necessary to ensure the EU works closely with it, helping Libya's transition to democracy. The vice-president of the Greens, Daniel Cohn-Bendit (France), took the view that the EU can play a positive role by providing economic and technical aid to help rebuild a state “that does not exist”.
One of the priorities of the EU is to unfreeze Libyan assets. Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle explained that speedy unfreezing of the assets should allow swift economic recovery and sound management. He went on to add that the Commission is ready to take action if so requested by the Libyan authorities and that medium-term financing of €60 million from 2011-2013 is being considered.
MEPs called for reconciliation in the country. “We have to help in the preparation of a constitutional system and the reconstruction of civil society”, stated Ana Gomes (S&D, Portugal). Charles Tannock (ECR, UK) said “the Libyan people want a pluralist democracy. The National Council must be a government chosen by the people and govern by consensus”. MEPs highlighted, in particular, the position of women and immigrants in the country.
“Once this transition period is over, the foundations have to be laid of long-term relations with Libya. The EU wants a strong partnership”, the commissioner said.
Parliament will vote on a resolution on Libya on Thursday 15 September. (C-C.G./transl.jl/rt)