While the military offensive led by Gaddafi still threatens the young Libyan revolution, EU Heads of State and Governments are finally ready to take a series of insufficient yet concrete decisions  to support the democratic aspirations in Libya.

Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Group Leader, said: "The requirement for the unconditional departure of Gaddafi and his clique in Tripoli is to be welcomed though this was the very least that could be expected from the European Council.  Recognition of the National Transition Council in Benghazi is also good news for all the forces of Libyan democracy and is welcomed by my Group who arranged this week for two prominent representatives of the Provisional Government to come to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.   The solidarity shown towards those Member States who would be most affected by a massive influx of refugees is also encouraging after delays in recent weeks. However, the urgency for political and/or military intervention in order to bring down the regime remains. Despite the continued war raging on the ground  and the insurgents under threat of being overwhelmed, the Union is only at this stage considering options. The next tripartite summit of the European Union, the African Union and the Arab league must clearly consider the prospects of military support for the Libyan revolution."