African nations want end to strife, transition in Libya

I / Nouakchott April 10, 2011, 9:27 IST

African Union mediators on Libya today reiterated their appeal for "an immediate end to all hostilities" and proposed a transition period to adopt reforms in the insurrection-hit country.

The panel of five African leaders chosen by the EU to act as mediators decided to go along with a roadmap adopted in March which calls for the end to hostilities, "diligent conveying of humanitarian aid" and "dialogue between the Libyan parties", it said in a statement.

The panel was to go to Libya later today. Headed by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, it had already called for an "immediate end" to hostilities at a first meeting here March 19 and 20.

The statement said they also intended to propose "inclusive management" of a transition period aimed at adoption and setting up of "the political reforms needed to eliminate the causes of the present crisis."

This should be done taking into account "the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, political reform, justice, peace and security."