LOC19:59
16:59 GMT
LONDON, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday
underlined his "optimism" for Libya's democratic future as he welcomed to
Downing Street the newly-appointed charge d'affaires to Britain.
David Cameron greeted Mahmud Nacua as he arrived for a meeting at Number 10
alongside seven representatives from the Libyan community in the UK, Downing
Street said.
Last month, the Foreign Office invited the National Transitional Council
(NTC) to take over the Libyan embassy in London - and representatives moved in
last week.
Britain has officially recognised the rebel-backed NTC as Libya's
legitimate government after kicking out supporters of dictator Colonel Muammar
Gaddafi's regime.
The rebels' independence flag was raised above the embassy in the capital's
Knightsbridge during a reopening ceremony on August 9.
Opening the meeting today, Cameron said he had earlier conducted a "very
positive" phone conversation with NTC chairman Mustafa Abduljalil about the
plans for a post-Gaddafi Libya, commitment to democracy and the freedom for
all Libyans.
In a brief statement, he said: "I think this is a moment not to be
complacent at all, but optimistic that we are getting closer to the future
that many of us talked about round that table downstairs in the Cabinet Office.
"It has taken time but I think we are heading in the right direction and I
think it is a good opportunity to share today some of the perspectives on what
needs to happen next."
Cameron also discussed the situation in Libya with French President Nicolas
Sarkozy during a phone call earlier today, the Prime Minister's spokeswoman
said later.
The pair spoke about the progress made in the towns of Zawiya and Gharyan,
NATO's mandate to protect civilians and the role of the NTC in Libya's future.
The two leaders also talked briefly about the global economic developments
and agreed to keep in close touch on both issues over the coming days. (end)
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