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European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton pledged support for rebels in east Libya Sunday, making the most senior visit to the area by a foreign official since a revolt against Muammar Gaddafi began. "I saw the posters on the way from the airport to here saying ‘We have a dream' and I'm here today to explain not only about our short-term support but also the breadth of our support," Ashton said in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi. Visiting to open a representative office for the EU, Ashton toured the square next to the Benghazi court house, the epicenter of the revolt that erupted in mid-February. France, Britain and other European states have been at the forefront of efforts to support Libya's rebels. French planes were the first to bomb Gaddafi's forces in March after the UN voted to allow intervention to protect civilians. Ashton's visit "shows the increased support of the European Union in supporting us to have a democratic and free state," said the head of the National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil. Ashton said she discussed support for health, education, civil society, border management and security reform. "We seek to support, not just now, but for the future and as long as the people of this country wish us there," she said. Western diplomatic sources have told Reuters the EU was considering tightening sanctions on Gaddafi's government by blacklisting ports to prevent oil exports and fuel imports. One source said EU experts had reached an agreement to put six ports – Tripoli, Zuara, Zawiyah, Al-Khoms, Ras Lanuf and Brega – on the list. Proposals could be submitted to the EU sanctions committee this week. Another EU diplomat said the measure could be discussed by foreign ministers who meet in Brussels today. Reuters |
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