EU warns of risks to transition in Libya

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said on Thursday that last July Libyan citizens democratically elected their representatives, in elections which provoked worldwide admiration. "I call on all Libyans to respect the representatives and leaders whom they elected," she said in a statement. Her call came after the country's congress on Sunday voted to remove former Gadhafi-era officials from office after demands by the revolutionary groups, Gunmen also continue to besiege two ministries in Tripoli. "Following four decades of dictatorship, political positions can now be openly debated in Libya. However, some of the incidents witnessed in Tripoli during the last days risk undermining the ongoing transition," noted Ashton. "It is vital that the interests of the nation and respect for the democratic values which triggered the February 17 Revolution prevail," she stressed. The EU remains committed to supporting the Libyan people in achieving a successful transition towards democracy, stability and prosperity through a process of transitional justice and reconciliation, added the statement.