In a boost to Libya's rebels, the European Union opened a diplomatic office Sunday in their eastern stronghold and pledged support for a democratic Libya where Moammar Gadhafi "will not be in the picture." The office in the de facto rebel capital of Benghazi gives Gadhafi's opponents a key point of contact with the 27 nations in the European bloc and adds to the growing international recognition of the rebels' political leadership.
In return, the head of the rebels' National Transitional Council held out the possibility of future rewards for those who offer early support, and he said his nascent administration would respect human rights and international law.
"The United States and the European Union should know that we are a righteous people," said Mustafa Abdul-Jalil. "We are fighting for a better future and they will not regret helping us." The rebel-held east is home to many of Libya's oil resources, and Abdul-Jalil said backers of the rebel council could stand to benefit in future business deals.
"Our friends who support this revolution will have the best opportunity in future contracts in Libya," he said. Libya has the largest oil reserves in Africa, most of them untapped. A number of other countries — including France, Italy, Qatar and the West African nation of Gambia — have already recognized the rebels, while the United States and other countries have sent envoys to open talks.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton opened the bloc's office in Benghazi's heavily guarded Tibesti Hotel, saying she looked forward to a better Libya "where Gadhafi will not be in the picture." "I have seen the vision of the Libyan people today all around. I saw the posters as I came from the airport with the words 'We have a dream,'" she said after meeting with Abdul-Jalil.
In a statement released by her office in Brussels, Ashton said she found that the rebel leaders "have great aspirations for the people of this country and they have the leadership qualities and skills necessary to take the country forward." She said she discussed EU support in border management, security reform, the economy, health, education and in building civil society.