The African Union welcomes the formation of a new Libyan government

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 23, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, welcomes the formation of a new Libyan Government, which was announced yesterday by the Libyan Prime Minister, Mr. Abdel Rahim el Keeb.

The Chairperson of the Commission stresses that the formation of the Government marks an important step in the efforts aimed at implementing an inclusive transition that would culminate in elections and fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, respect for human rights and good governance.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's commitment to support the Libyan people and to work with the new authorities towards the successful conclusion of the transition.

The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that steps are being taken for the early establishment of the AU Liaison Office in Tripoli, as per the decision adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its meeting of 20 October 2011. The Office is mandated to assist, in cooperation with the United Nations, the League of Arab States and other stakeholders, in the efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in Libya, promoting national reconciliation and inclusivity and facilitating the transition process towards the establishment of democratic institutions.

The Chairperson of the Commission intends to travel to Libya as soon as possible to consult with the new Libyan Government and map out concrete modalities of the AU's support to the ongoing transition in Libya.