Athens , 4 April 2011

Mr. Droutsas: First of all let me stress what our message was to Μr. Obeidi, it was a clear message repeating the message of the international community that we request the full respect and implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and more specifically the immediate ceasefire and the end of violence against the Libyan people and to be clear about that, this was our very clear message. From our talks with Μr. Obeidi I can say that we understood that also the regime in Libya understands that we have to talk that they have to move, that we have to search for a political solution to the crisis and I think this is an important first step, if I may say so.

Journalist: What is their idea of a political solution?

Mr. Droutsas: We had in the past days also a meeting of the African Union in Addis Ababa where some ideas were floated and discussed. First of all, cessation of hostilities, protection of the civilian population, humanitarian assistance for the Libyan population and of course a political dialogue to see what kind of transition measures could be found and also political reforms that are necessary for Libya’s future.

Journalist: Did Μr. Obeidi talk to you more about what kind of a transition and the political reforms that they would introduce?

Mr. Droutsas: I think it is too early to get into such kind of details. Once again I think it was an important first step towards the search for a political solution and may I also point out that this was Greece’s approach from the very first moment, to say that we must not end, we must continue with the efforts to find a political diplomatic solution.

Journalist: But the trouble is the rebels in the East of Libya want nothing short of colonel’s Gaddafi standing down, possibly leaving the country, his family leaving office and a transition to democracy. That’s the only thing they really want to talk about, of any sort of political substance. 

Mr. Droutsas: This is true and this is well known but once again it is too early and maybe also not mature yet to speak about any kind of details or maybe the final agreement or solution. We are at the very first steps but I think it is important that we have this fact that also the regime in Libya is starting thinking about such a political process.

Journalist: There are reports in this country at the moment that Colonel Gaddafi’s son is suggesting a transition that he takes charge of that moves the country towards democracy. I understand that you don’t want to go into details but is that something that did come up in your conversation?

Mr. Droutsas: A lot of things are floating around but I can say  this very clearly that this was not a point in our discussion yesterday it was the Libyan envoy Mr. Obeidi.

Journalist: But you do get the impression they realize that things can’t stay as they are; that there must be some kind of political change…

Mr. Droutsas: Again I think this is the most important an valuable message that we got out of our yesterday’s meeting that also the regime in Libya understands that they have to look for a political solution.

Journalist: You say it was a Greek initiative to have this political discussion. Did you consult with other members of the alliance that conduct the no-fly zone, like France and Britain?

Mr. Droutsas: Certainly, we consulted before the meeting with Mr. Obeidi. I informed a large number of my European counterparts but also countries outside of Europe who are participating in the international community’s efforts to find a solution in Libya and it is most natural for us to be in contact with our partners and our allies in order to consult with them the next steps ahead. This morning I had a telephone conversation also with William Hague and with other colleagues of mine. I will continue being in touch with them, consulting with them and also having a look at the next steps and some further ideas and proposals maybe also the Greek side can contribute.

Journalist: Can you tell us what those next steps will be?

Mr. Droutsas: The important thing is that we have this very first step that we see that also the regime in Libya realises that it has to move. The most important thing is to find now the necessary ways of bringing representatives of the regime together with the representatives of the national council, to see what can be done. Into this direction we will see what kind of concrete steps we could take.

Journalist: And in the meantime, do you thing that the air assaults on Gaddafi forces should continue under the UN mandate?

Mr. Droutsas: Well, as long as we do not feel that we have any kind of significant movement, I think the international community’s unity must be sharp.