Post date: Jun 26, 2011 8:16:15 PM
African leaders on the African Union Panel on Libya repeat calls for the secession of hostilities and an agenda to democratic transformation in Libya.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 26, 2011) REUTERS - South Africa's President Jacob Zuma met with presidents of Mauritania, Mali, Congo Republic and Uganda on Sunday (June 26) to discuss the African Union's stand on Libya ahead of an AU summit to be held in Equatorial Guinea later this month.
The meeting was aimed at reviewing the latest developments in Libya as well as the efforts deployed towards a political solution to the ongoing conflict in that country.
According to the communique read by the African Union's Commissioner Ramante Lamamra, the leaders voiced their concern at the continuing fighting between the warring Libyan parties and at the NATO-led aerial bombardments. The Committe noted the dire humanitarian situation created by the conflict, the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure and shortages of basic neccessities.
The communique stated the leaders' conviction that only a political solution will make it possible to settle the current conflict sustainability and called for an end to the fighting.
"Following the suspension of hostilities and in accordance with operative paragraph 3 (three) of UNSC Resolution 1973 and the AU Roadmap, the Libyan parties should begin the national dialogue for a comprehensive ceasefire, national reconciliation, transitional arrangements, as well as the agenda for democratic transformation," said Lamamra reading from the communique.
The leaders also appreciated Colonel Gaddafi's acceptance of not being part of the negotiation process.