FOREIGN POLICY:EUROPEAN LEADERS have said that the death of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gadafy has brought to an end "an era of despotism and repression" for a population which had suffered too long.
In the conclusions to yesterday’s summit meeting, the 27 leaders stated that with the death of the dictator, Libya could “turn a page in its history, pursue national reconciliation and embrace a new democratic future”.
The statement was silent on the controversy surrounding the manner of Gadafy’s death, which has prompted calls for an international investigation. He was shot soon after being captured alive by forces loyal to the transitional administration.
“The European Council pays tribute to the courage and determination of the people of Libya,” the statement said. “It looks forward to the formation of an inclusive and broad-based government, to the launch of a democratic, peaceful and transparent transition that reaches out to all Libyans and to the preparation of free and fair elections.”
The statement also welcomed the announcement by the Spanish separatist paramilitary group, Eta, of a permanent and complete cessation of violence.
“This is undoubtedly the victory of democracy and freedom in Spain and throughout the EU . . . We retain a very special memory for the victims of this violence, a memory that must endure so that such violence, which should never have occurred, may never return.”
Referring to the turbulence in Syria, the statement condemned the violence of the regime and the violations of human rights.
The efforts of the political opposition to establish a united platform was praised, but the communique added that the EU remained “gravely concerned” about the current situation in Syria.
It condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing brutal repression led by the Syrian regime against its population as well as the widespread human rights violations.
The foreign policy conclusions also focused on several other North African states, including Egypt and Tunisia.
It said a democratic and stable Egypt would be a key partner to the EU but said the interim authorities must fulfil the “crucial task” of holding free and fair elections, while upholding human rights.
The conclusions also welcomed the holding of the first free elections in Tunisia.
The conclusions also raised concerns about the continued expansion of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and its lack of co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
It said that Iran needed to address outstanding issues, “including those pointing to possible military dimensions to its nuclear programme”.
