AL chief visits Libya, says premature to recognize Syrian opposition

The Arab League (AL) Secretary General, Nabil al-Arabi, said here Sunday that it is premature to recognize the Syrian opposition at this moment, calling for a more significant role of Libya in regional affairs. "The AL has consistently asked the Syrian government to stop killing and detaining civilians since four months ago. We are trying to help the press to enter Syria to find out who is responsible for the bloodshed," the AL chief said, adding that it was premature now to recognize the Syrian opposition. Arabi's remarks came one day after a total of 18 member nations of the 22-nation AL agreed to suspend the activities of Syrian delegation in the pan-Arab body, while Lebanon, Yemen and Syria voted against it and Iraq abstained. Meanwhile, Arabi said the AL and Libyan authorities have reached a certain understanding on the AL's role in the rebuilding of Libya, wishing it can play a more significant role in regional affairs. "Unlike the experiences of Tunisia and Egypt, the Libyan people have sacrificed a lot for their freedom," the AL chief said after holding talks with the head of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) Abdul Jalil. "I greatly admire their achievements." On his part, Jalil welcomed Arabi's visit by hailing the historical role that AL played in the liberation of the Libyan people. "The Arab League has played a courageous and historical role in our revolution," said Jalil, hoping the two sides can bear more promising cooperation in the future. Concerning about the fighting between local armed groups near Tripoli, Jalil assured the Libyan people by saying that the NTC was working on this issue. "We are getting closer to restore stability now, we are working to achieve something soon," said Jalil. Clashes between two local armed groups on the outskirts of Tripoli had lasted for two days after one side called the other one supporters of fallen Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, leaving several killed