Death of Gaddafi: the EU welcomes the end of the despot, calls not to miss the reconciliation

(BRUXELLES2) The news fell on the "tickers" at the beginning of the afternoon. "Muammar Gaddafi" was captured by CNT forces, then Gaddafi was injured and finally (just before 15 p.m.) confirmation of his death. This inevitably caused a long, largely perceptible relief in several European capitals.

The end of an era of despotism

In Brussels, the first to react were Herman Van Rompuy and José-Manuel Barroso, the respective presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. That "marks the end of an era of despotism and repression during which the Libyan people have suffered for so long. Today Libya can turn a page in its history and embrace a new democratic future“they declared in a joint text. "We call on the National Transitional Council to pursue a reconciliation process that is as broad as possible, which is addressed to all Libyans and allows for a transparent, peaceful and democratic transition in the country.“they added.

"Ten months of extraordinary sacrifices"

For her part, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton first hailed the victory of the Libyan people. "The fall of Sirte marks the end of the Gaddafi era. Libya is now under the full control of the forces of the National Transitional Council. After ten months of extraordinary sacrifices, the Libyan people can say with pride and confidence that they are rid of a regime that terrorized and oppressed (them) for more than 40 years. They can now look to the future" (...) If the reports on the death of Colonel Gaddafi (are) confirmed, his death puts an end to a tragic time in the lives of many Libyans."

Punishing the crimes of the past is good, reconciling tomorrow is better

However, the High Representative made a point of highlighting all the challenges facing the Libyan government today. "Libya is entering a transition process. It is important that his leadership works to build a democratic future for the country with full respect for human rights. While the crimes of the past must be addressed; its leaders must also seek the path of national reconciliation."

The EU is at your side, yesterday and today

Catherine Ashton also wanted to underline the European commitment alongside the Libyans, yesterday, today and tomorrow. "The European Union has supported the Libyan people during all these struggles. We have been present in Tripoli and Benghazi. We have provided substantial humanitarian assistance. We have already supported civil society and we are now working with international partners to respond to the Libya's post-conflict needs. The EU will remain strongly engaged in the future."

Comment: One can only be surprised that at such a solemn moment, European leaders are still trying to stand out by each making their own statement. It is relatively unfair play for H. Van Rompuy and JM Barroso to burn politeness to Catherine Ashton, whose task as High Representative is rather to ensure the voice of the EU's external representation. It's a bit like pretending the Lisbon Treaty doesn't exist.

I'm not in the habit of weaving praises to C. Ashton. But on the Libyan question the High Representative played a game which was not easy in a European concert which sometimes resembled a dark cacophony. And the diplomatic service has not been unworthy. On the contrary. Ashton's statement proves it. Certainly it took a few more minutes to reach me (it's true). But it is much more interesting, deep and balanced than the 2 cookie-cutter sentences of its two male co-leaders...

NB: one could have wished that both of them, when they were Prime Minister of Belgium and Portugal, had spoken so harshly about Gaddafi... It is easy to denounce despots when they have lost power and passed from life to death. It is less easy to do so when they are alive and in office.