Syria against external interference in Libyan affairs

March 11, 2011

An official source in the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Syria was against all forms of external intervention in Libya's affairs, Syrian official SANA news agency reported.

The source said Syria was monitoring with high concern the developments in Libya and stressed respect for the country's sovereignty, independence and unity.

"Syria calls for securing the lives of civilians, stopping violence against the Libyan people and resorting to wisdom and dialogue," the source was quoted by SANA as saying.

The international community, led by the United States and its Western allies, debated on forcing a no-fly zone over Libya, along with a military action against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces.

On Thursday, France became the first country to recognize Libya 's rebel National Libyan Council as the "legitimate representative " of the Libyan people. Britain and Germany said governments of the EU states should "not work or cooperate" with Gaddafi as EU ministers prepared for talks on the north African nation.

Troops loyal to Gaddafi and rebels seeking the downfall of his 41-year regime were battling each other Thursday in Zawiyah, a prosperous dormitory town 40 km west of Tripoli.

Source: People's Daily.
Link: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/7315311.html.