Sarkozy joins UK premier in Libya

PRESIDENT Sarkozy flew to Libya this morning for a “secret” visit along with UK Prime Minister David Cameron, according to French media sources today.

While the offices of the leaders have not confirmed the visit, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) have acknowledged it. A spokesman, Mansour Saif al-Nasr, said on Europe 1 television: “This is a great day; the Libyan people have been waiting for this visit for a long time.”

Mr al-Nasr said that the invitation dated from May and would be a chance for the Libyans to express their thanks to Sarkozy and Cameron, who initiated the Nato intervention on behalf of the Libyan rebels earlier this year. They would be able to “come and see the free men and the civil society that’s being set up,” he said, adding: “Nicolas Sarkozy took a heroic and historic decision to support the revolution of the Tunisian people.”

Mr Sarkozy is understood to be accompanied by the philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, who has supported his stance in Libya, and, according to Europe 1, Foreign Minister Alain Juppé and special advisor Henri Guaino. They are expected to go to Benghazi in the east, stronghold of the rebels, and to Tripoli, the capital.

The visit, before the end of the conflict with the pro-Ghaddafi camp, is considered risky for the leaders, however Mr al-Nasr said “all measures have been put in place to ensure their safety”.

Le Parisien said that 160 French police flew out yesterday to help with security.

If the leaders have decided not to wait for the capture of Ghaddafi, it is probably because international competition is hotting up for the attribution of lucrative contracts by the new government, said Le Parisien.

The visit also comes as a televised debate is to be held among Socialist presidential candidates tonight. Sarkozy will have an eye on his image as a decisive statesmen, said Le Parisien , adding the Elysée has taken note of posters in Libya with Sarkozy’s face and the slogan “Thank you France”.

Photo: Medef