LIBYA NOW: a boy flees the fighting CFP

AU Political Solution in Libya

May 3, 2011

> The African Union (AU), through its High-Level ad hoc Committee on the Situation in Libya and the Commission, is driven by the conviction that, ultimately, only a political solution will make it possible to promote, in a sustainable way, the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for reform, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In this context, a verifiable and internationally monitored ceasefire is key, both to creating conducive conditions for successful negotiations among the Libyan parties and also to ensuring the protection of the civilian population, which is the very purpose for which resolution 1973 (2011) was adopted by the UN Security Council, and which should inform the ongoing military operations in Libya.

The AU is deeply concerned by the ever deteriorating situation in the city of Misrata and the resulting suffering inflicted on the local population and the African migrant workers trapped in the area. It calls on the Libyan authorities, building on their formal and unconditional acceptance of the AU Roadmap, to, immediately and unilaterally, take the required measures to alleviate the plight of the civilian population. Such steps will go a long way to facilitating the early attainment of an overall ceasefire.

> With the NATO-led operation in Libya entering its sixth week, there is an increased risk of more civilian casualties, as tragically demonstrated by the bombing that resulted in the unjustified killing of the Libyan Leader's son and grandchildren, and destruction of vital socio-economic infrastructure. Such actions can only compound the situation. For the AU, the time has come to give way to a political process, including an immediate ceasefire, as called for in its roadmap and relevant Peace and Security Council decisions, to bring to an end the current conflict, which has claimed the lives of so many anonymous Libyans all over the country. The AU will not relent in its efforts to bring the crisis in Libya to a swift end and help the Libyan people fulfill their legitimate aspirations.

Source: African Union