Way forward in Libya is ceasefire and removal of Gaddafi regime, Borg tells EU

Describing the situation in Libya a day after visiting Benghazi, Maltese foreign minister Tonio Borg said he remained impressed by the determination expressed by the Libyan people "fighting for their liberty".

Borg was accompanied by the Permanent Representative to the European Union, Richard Cachia Caruana.

He said that the way forward to the current stalemate in Libya should first consist of a ceasefire, followed by a political transition for the removal of the current regime, led by Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

He added the participation of the young generation in their quest to shape their future was central to the revolution in this country.

On Syria, the EU foreign ministers expressed their concern at the ongoing repression by the current regime against protestors, and which has led to a number of deaths, the finance ministry later said.

It added that the council also discussed the situation of the Middle East peace process, in view of the United Nations resolution on the recognition of a future state of Palestine.

The council was convening for the first time under the new Polish Presidency, whereby Ministers were briefed on the main priorities to be adopted for the upcoming six months.

An update to the tragic event that occurred at the Cypriot Naval Base in Mari was also provided, and the Council expressed sympathy with the families of the victims.