The position of the Republic of Cyprus is that there should be an end to the Gaddafi regime in Libya, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Tuesday.

In a statement on the developments in Libya, Stephanou said the position of the Republic of Cyprus has been that “there should be an end to the Gaddafi regime, an end to the bloodshed so that the people can determine their fate through democratic means”.

Stephanou said President of the Republic Demetris Christofias conveyed this position during his recent visit to Paris where he met French President Nikola Sarkozy.

“It is extremely important”, Stephanou said, that “in the post Gaddafi era which Libya is entering, to secure a smooth transition to democracy, where conditions of tolerance, peace, justice, human rights will prevail, for the good of the people and the region”.

Asked if the government maintains the same position as far as Syria is concerned, the Spokesman replied “and for Syria, we are in continued dialogue and contact with the EU”.

“Our demand is to see an end to the bloodshed”, he added.