Building ties

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, vowed to offer long-term EU support to Libyan rebels Sunday as she traveled to Benghazi to open a new office in the rebel-held city.

"It is an honor to meet the people who have been fighting for democracy and a better future in Libya," Ashton said in a statement ahead of the afternoon event.

"Opening an EU office is an important signal of our support for the Libyan rebels," she said.

At the start of her visit, Ashton met the head of the interim Transitional National Council (TNC), Mustafa Abdul Jalil, and other local and international figures.

EU goes a step further

Issues on the agenda included the EU's support for security reform, border management, economic development, health and education.

"The people of Libya have spoken about the future they want to see, and on behalf of 27 member states of the EU , I am proud to be here to offer our support into that future," Ashton said in a brief address to reporters in Benghazi.

While the EU already has a presence in Libya through its humanitarian aid agency, the Benghazi office is meant to focus on non-humanitarian needs and coordinate EU activities in the country.

Ashton's visit is a boost for the rebels who have been lobbying the international community to formally recognize their interim council.

The European Parliament has been urging the EU as a whole to recognize the NTC which, so far, has only been officially recognized by France, Italy, Qatar and Gambia.

Author: Gregg Benzow (dpa, AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Martin Kuebler