EU calls for quick re-launch of Libyan economy

The European Union Monday welcomed the Declaration of Liberation of Libya made on October 23, saying it marks the beginning of a new era for the country and its people.EU foreign ministers meeting here, today in a statement, also welcomed the appointment of Abdulrahim Al-Keib as Libya's new Prime Minister and said they looked forward to the rapid appointment of a Transitional Government.The statement said that together with the Libyan authorities and the international community, the EU will continue to work to lift restrictions on Libyan assets frozen abroad."A quick re-launch of the Libyan economy is needed to support the transition process," it stressed.Furthermore, the EU underlined its concerns regarding the proliferation of arms and related material of all types, in particular man-portable air defence systems and chemical weapon stockpiles in Libya, that are in danger of dissemination across the region.It called for a response based on close coordination with international partners and countries of the region to deal with the arms smuggling.The EU, added the statement, is committed to deepening and strengthening its relationship with the Libyan people and looks forward to the participation of Libya within the European Neighbourhood Policy and regional initiatives such as the Union for the Mediterranean.