Libya - Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, a member of the African Union (AU) panel on Libya, says the African Union (AU) is determined to reach a ceasefire in Libya to "preserve the interests of the Libyan people."
"We are determined to achieve this goal to preserve the highest interest of the Libyan people," Ould Abdel Aziz said, following discussions between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the AU panel on Libya.
The members of the AU panel on Libya include Ould Abdel Aziz, Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and President of the AU Commission Jean Ping.
The delegation arrived in Algiers on Monday night after a two-day visit to mediate the situation in Libya, where violent clashes are continuing between pro-Gaddafi forces and rebels.
On Monday, South African President Jacob Zuma said Muammar Gaddafi had accepted a roadmap for ending the political conflict.
"Our visit was a huge success. The Libyan leader [has] accepted the road map of the African Union, which in our view, will enable the AU to assist Libya towards lasting peace and democracy.
"Only an inclusive dialogue among the Libyan parties on the appropriate reforms will ensure a lasting solution in Libya. South Africa, as a member of the panel, is very happy with the outcome of the meeting," said Zuma.
Among the proposals made by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union were:
- an immediate cessation of all hostilities
- the cooperation of the competent Libyan authorities to facilitate the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy populations
- the protection of foreign nationals, including the African migrants living in Libya, and
- the adoption and implementation of the political reforms necessary for the elimination of the causes of the current crisis. - BuaNews
