BRUSSELS, July 13 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso met here on Wednesday with Mahmoud Jibril, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Transitional National Council of Libya (TNC), and discussed developments on the ground and preparations for the post-conflict phase.
"This visit is a sign of growing authority and credibility of the Council on the international scene.
"It is also a sign of EU 's engagement in supporting the TNC as the key political interlocutor who represents the aspirations of the courageous Libyan people," Barroso told a joint news conference after the meeting.
"We are working towards a political resolution of the conflict, which would result in the launch of a transition process in line with the aspirations of the Libyan people and respecting the unity and sovereignty of the country," said Barroso.
"And we are also getting ready to assist in the construction of a new Libya. Our post-conflict assistance is being set up now, so we can start work from day one," he said.
"We are ready and committed to help our courageous neighbors realize their aspirations," said the head of the EU's executive body.
Barroso said this is the message of support that he will also bring to Cairo, where he will meet Egypt's political leadership tomorrow, as well as civil society representatives and religious leaders.
"Europe's response to the Arab Spring is clear: It is a true Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity. It was in this spirit that I just received Chairman Jibril," Barroso added.
On his part, Jibril said "we talked about the post conflict era, how we can join hands to enable the Libyan people to rebuild their own country." He noted that the magnitude and scope of destruction is beyond imagination in different Libyan cities.
"Libya today needs all types of rehabilitation, economic, social, psychological. We discussed how we can draw on the European Commission's expertise and capabilities to help rebuilt Libya and heal the wounds," he added.
Meanwhile, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg recognized today NTC as the "legitimate representative of the Libyan people." The decision came after a joint meeting at the Belgian foreign ministry in Brussels between ministers of foreign affairs from the three Benelux countries and Jibril. (end) nk.mb KUNA 132019 Jul 11NNNN