Brussels, 23/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 July, the Foreign Affairs Council welcomed the “pluralistic and overall peaceful” conduct of Libyan elections for the National General Congress on 7 July and preparations for the management of the elections by the authorities. “The EU looks forward to working with the future Libyan government”, the ministers stress in their conclusions, adding that they hope that the appointment process will retain the momentum of transition and enable the new Libyan government to start work as soon as possible. They also stress the “important” work undertaken by the National Transitional Council.
The EU also reaffirms its determination to continue to increase its commitment with Libya, with which it hopes to establish “long-term and mutually beneficial relations”, and will continue to provide strong support via a large number of different sectors. The EU also stresses that it hopes to provide additional assistance, particularly via its Common Security and Defence Policy, in the fields of security and border management. “We need to be present in Libya”, stressed the Cypriot Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis.
The ministers also reiterate that it is important that the process of drawing up a new constitution be “inclusive and transparent”. Stressing the fundamental importance of human rights and the primacy of law, they also call on the authorities to deal with and investigate allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment and to bring those responsible to justice. (CG/transl.fl)