Martonyi: no aim to change Libya’s political system

“We do not aim to change Libya’s political system,” said Hungarian Foreign Minister, János Martonyi, in Budapest on 18 March, in reference to the imminent military actions. At the press conference on the forthcoming General and Foreign Affairs Council meeting, in Brussels on 21 March, and the European Council meeting on 24-25 March. The Foreign Minister explained that the Hungarian Presidency will fully support the UN Security Council’s resolution, which was adopted on the previous day with the understanding that its primary aim was to protect civilians, and not to change the political system.

“The removal of Gaddafiwould be politically highly desirable” said the Minister. However, he emphasised that the Security Council resolution excluded the possibility of a military occupation. The text adopted with the abstention of Brazil, India, China, Russia and Germany specifies that MemberStatesare authorised “to take all necessary measures” to protect civilians but it rules out the country’s military occupation by land units.

Mr Martonyi pointed out that the Gaddafi regime was internationally isolated. “No matter how the military situation changes, this regime should go in any case,” he added.

The Minister stressed that the Hungarian Embassy in Tripoli, would continue to represent the EU. He announced he would travel to Egypt on the Presidency’s behalf, on 22 March to find out more about the refugee situation at the Libyan border and to hold talks with representatives of the Arab League.