Cyprus recognises the National Transitional Council (NTC) of Libya as the legitimate representative of the people of the country, until democratic elections are held, and points out that it is imperative that Muammar Gaddafi surrenders immediately, Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis says in a statement.

“We are witnessing a remarkable wind of change in our neighbouring Libya. The regime of Colonel Gaddafi is over. It is imperative that Gaddafi accepts this irreversible fact and surrenders immediately so that hostilities end, thus avoiding, any further bloodshed,“ Markoullis notes.

She adds that “for this interim period and until democratic elections are held in our neighbouring country, Cyprus recognises the NTC as the legitimate representative of the people of Libya.“

“Under these crucial times for the people of Libya, we are ready to provide both bilaterally and within the context of the European Union, all possible assistance to the NTC,“ she assures.

Markoullis reiterates “our call on the NTC to engage into a swift transition process towards democracy, rule of law, social justice and human rights.“