Brussels, 03/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek said again, after his meeting with head of the National Transition Council Mustafa Abdul Jalil on 29 October, that the EU is ready to help Libya. “I am here to confirm Europe's support in the most urgent needs and on the long road towards democracy. We wish Libya to become a partner and neighbour of our community of values”, he stated, indicating that the EU would help only when Libya itself asks for support. “I know … how difficult it can be to re-build democratic procedures and institutions from scratch”, he added, referring to the experiences of his own country, Poland.
He said the European Parliament could offer a helping hand, in the form of expertise in democracy-building, election observation and parliamentary cooperation. He also underlined the extent to which it would be in Libya's interest to become a part of the international community and, in particular, the United Nations.
After meeting representatives of organised civil society, Buzek said that Libya's path to peace and democracy would not simply be thanks to politicians and the decisions they make. “The guarantees of a free Libya will come mainly from you: civil society, non-governmental organisations, intellectuals, women's organisations and pluralist media”, he said. “You have a daunting task in front of you. It is everyone's duty to keep the government accountable. That requires organisation and collective effort.” (CG/transl.rt)