As part of the implementation of the mandate entrusted to it by the 265th meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), held in Addis Ababa on 10 March 2011, the AU High-Level ad hoc Committee on the situation in Libya started today, 10 April 2011, a two?day visit to Libya to meet with the Libyan parties and exchange views with them on the best ways and means for an early resolution of the crisis.

The members of the ad hoc Committee had an extensive meeting with the Leader of the Revolution, Muammar Gaddafi, on the AU Roadmap for the resolution of the Libyan crisis.

The Leader of the Revolution confirmed his acceptance of the AU Roadmap, which revolves around the following elements:

(i) the immediate cessation of all hostilities;

(ii) the cooperation of the concerned Libyan authorities to facilitate the diligent delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy populations;

(iii) the protection of foreign nationals, including African migrant workers living in Libya; and

(iv) dialogue between the Libyan parties and the establishment of an inclusive transition period, with the view to adopting and implementing the political reforms necessary for the elimination of the causes of the current crisis, with due consideration for the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, political reform, justice, peace and security, as well as socio?economic development.

On the specific issue of the cease-fire, Leader Muammar Gaddafi confirmed his support for the efforts of the ad hoc Committee aimed at ensuring its urgent materialization on the ground, including the deployment of an effective and credible monitoring mechanism.

Leader Muammar Gaddafi expressed his full confidence in the AU and in its ability to successfully carry out the peace efforts in his country.

The High-Level ad hoc Committee will travel, on Monday 11 April 2011, to Benghazi to continue its meetings and efforts.