Van Rompuy blij met aanwezigheid nieuwe president Libië bij VN (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDENT

New York, 20 September 2011

EUCO 76/11 PRESSE 321 PR PCE 49

Address by President Herman Van Rompuy i at the High-Level Meeting on Libya

Secretary General Ban: thank you for taking this timely and useful initiative.

Let me welcome President Abdul-Jalil here in the UN today. It is the coronation of a long and difficult process; the sign that the international community has rallied behind the forces of the new Libya and behind the Libyan people. It is also the beginning of a new phase.

Today is a day of joy.

Building the future may prove to be as difficult as overcoming the past. Building the future in three fields.

First: the State needs to be built. Democracy needs to be established. The state will carry authority as long as it will be the result of an inclusive process, where men and women of all walks, and from the different parts of the country will feel freely reunited. It is time for justice, rule of law and human rights and for reconciliation. Europe was built on reconciliation. Reconciliation is the most difficult virtue. It is time also for the protection of people of sub-Saharan origin. It will be a key litmus test. Civil society, free media, should be allowed to play their full part.

Second: Security needs to be stabilised. Military operations should be carried as long as it will be necessary. Libyan people should regain its peace and security: a new police, a rebuilt army should be put in place to ensure that it will happen.

Third: economy needs to be restarted. Young Libyans should be given the opportunity for a good and honest job. Investors need to be reassured; oil and gas production should be resumed.

Dirk De Backer - Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9768 - +32 (0)497 59 99 19 Jesus Carmona - Deputy Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9548 / 5150 - +32 (0)475 65 32 15 press.president@consilium.europa.eu http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

PRESS

EUC

Mr President Jalil, Europe will keep its promises helping with all the necessary instruments.

In close coordination with the UN and other partners the EU is already at work with the Transitional National Council's Libya Stabilisation Team. We have already deployed teams on the ground in Tripoli. We have (re)opened the EU Embassy.

We also look forward to set a new path for the EU Libya relations. Connecting Libya better to the world biggest and most advanced market would offer good perspectives for the success of Libya's transition.

Let me conclude, by strongly welcoming the unanimous approval of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2009. The EU is committed to implement it within all its powers and competences.

As I told you in Paris, we were, we are and we will be with you. Thank you

EUC