EU welcomes 1st meeting of Libyan parliament

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The EU welcomed the first meeting of the Council of Representatives in Libya on Monday as "an extremely important step towards putting Libya's democratic transition back on track and helping restore law and order to the country." "We encourage the Council of Representatives to carry out its tasks in a spirit of inclusiveness, moderation and in the interest of the country," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, in a statement. He condemned the ongoing violence and conflict across the country, including in Tripoli and Benghazi and voiced deep concern about the increasing humanitarian consequences of this violence .

"Libya is a crucial neighbour for Europe, with whom we wish to establish long-term and mutually beneficial relations. The EU is determined to support the Libyan people in their quest for a society based on the rule of law and democratic principles," added the statement.