Catherine Ashton At Opening Of New EU Delegation In Tripoli – Transcript

By HRVP Catherine Ashton

For 42 years people of this country lived in fear and intimidation. Today we stand here in a free Tripoli and a free Libya. When I visited Benghazi months ago I have met many people from Libya who have talked about their dreams and aspirations for the future of their country. One of their dreams was that we should all meet again in a free Tripoli and here we are.

We meet knowing that so many people have given great sacrifice to achieve this freedom. I remember especially those who gave their lives and pay tribute to them and mourn with their families and friends.

The country that will now be build will be the best and the most lasting memorial to their sacrifice.

A country that includes everyone, that is built on justice and freedom, with democracy as its heart and its soul. It has been a great privilege to represent the EU in the work that was done over last few months and to be able today to stand in front of a new delegation in Tripoli.

This is much more than a building; it is a symbol of our determination to stand with the people of Libya into the future.

I say to the people of Libya: This is your country, this is your future but we are here to support and help in any way that we can.

And as we formally inaugurate this building, my message is very clear: We wish you every possible success into the future and we stand ready to be here with you. And at a personal level I would like to say what a privilege it is to be here on this beautiful day and to be spending and celebrating with all of you this moment as we look to the future of Libya

Thank you