Sarkozy, Cameron Arrive to Tripoli Before Erdogan, September 15, 2011

Sarkozy, Cameron Arrive to Tripoli Before Erdogan

September 15, 2011

British PM, French president arrive in Libyan capital: TV

CAIRO, September 15, 2011, (Xinhua) --

British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in the Libyan capital of Tripoli amid tight security on Thursday, the pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV reported.

Cameron and Sarkozy, the first foreign government heads to visit Libya after the fall of leader Muammar Gaddafi, came in show of supports for the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC), the TV said.

Both the British and French leaders have pledged continued protection of the Libyan civilians, assistance in border surveillance, and releasing the frozen Libyan assets, head of the NTC executive office Mahmoud Jibril told a joint news conference with Cameron, Sarkozy and NTC Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil.

Jalil, for his part, voiced appreciation for the supports from Britain and France and thanked the positions held by the two countries, adding he is pleased with the visits by the heads of the two governments.

Cameron told the press conference that NATO will keep on its commission until the civilians are protected and the work completed. He vowed that his countries will help the Libyans hunt down fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Meanwhile, Britain has started the process to release the frozen Libyan assets, said the British prime minister, adding Britain will also assist in rebuilding Libya and restoring stability.

According to a statement by the British prime minister's office, Cameron is expected to unveil a package of British assistance for a process of transition in the war-torn North African country.

French President Sarkozy vowed that as long as peace is threatened in Libya, France is by the side of the Libyan people. " You can count on our friendship and admiration," he said.

Sarkozy added that the Libyan people must know those who committed crimes must face prosecution.

The British and French leaders, met Jalil and Jibril in Tripoli, are also scheduled to fly to Benghazi, cradle of the Libyan unrest.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr may also visit Libya at a later time.

Editor: Yang Lina

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