Reply #5: 'This is a big day for the new Libya and for the National Transitional Council' [View All]

[pinboy3niner]

More on the Sarkozy/Cameron visit from The Guardian's David Smith:


"It was a self confident and bullish performance by David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy," David Smith reports from Tripoli:

What was really striking was the tone of looking forward. Nicolas Sarkozy said flying over Tripoli and meeting young Libyans had made him think of Syria. He said he dedicated this visit to young Syrians, who are hoping for a similar case of freedom one day. David Cameron also talked about the prospect of the Arab spring turning into an Arab summer, and how Libya could set an example to other countries. There was a self-confidence, almost an expansionist tone and that...has the potential for a knock-on effect elsewhere.

Despite the triumphalist aspects, they were careful to retain some humility and say this is not over. David Cameron said very bluntly the message to Gaddafi: give yourself up, it's over. It's time for the mercenaries to go down.

There was confusion on the role Nato is playing in the hunt for Gaddafi. Officially British and French representatives say (they are) not (involved). Libyans say that as well. And yet today David Cameron said "we are helping with that" (the hunt for Gaddafi). It is a badly kept secret that Nato is providing some intelligence, even though they won't say what.

This is a big day for the new Libya and for the National Transitional Council and so far it is going well and they are pleased. They are off to Benghazi and I would expect another warm reaction there.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/sep/15/libya-world-leaders-visit-tripoli#block-41