Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The African Union (AU) Wednesday welcomed the formation of a new government in Libya, which was unveiled Tuesday by Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb to govern the country until legislative elections in mid 2012.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Jean Ping, said “the formation of the Government marks an important step in the efforts aimed at implementing an inclusive transition that would culminate in elections and fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, respect for human rights and good governance."

He reiterated AU’s commitment to support the Libyan people and to work with the new authorities towards the successful conclusion of the transition.

Ping is due in Libya shortly "to consult with the new Libyan Government and map out concrete modalities of the AU’s support to the ongoing transition in Libya.”

AU also said that it was working for the early establishment of the AU Liaison Office in Tripoli, to work with the UN and Arab League offices to assist the new Libyan government. 

According to the Libyan PM, persons appointed to the interim cabinet were carefully chosen to “achieve national reconciliation”, adding that the new administration would work towards the installation of “freedom, democracy, development, justice and a state of law and institutions."

Reports indicate that the commander of a local militia, holding one of the late Mouammar Kadhafi's sons prisoner, was named the new Defence Minister.

Pana 24/11/2011