Mustafa Abdul Jalil, head of the Libya’s rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) has pledged to make his country “democratic” and “open,” Italy’s Ansa news agency reported.
The agency said TNC leader Jalil had “very positive” talks with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during his visit to Rome on Tuesday.
Berlusconi reiterated Italy’s support of the Libyan opposition and confirmed his country’s readiness to assist the rebels.
Besides the talks with Berlusconi, Jalil also held meetings with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.
Italy was the first European country, where the TNC leader arrived with an official visit and on Wednesday he will pay a visit to France.
Italy has followed France in recognizing the council as the only legitimate representative of the Libyan people. Qatar is the third country to recognize TNC.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting continued on Tuesday in the port of Misurata, the only rebel-held western city, which Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have been pounding for days. The government troops are also continuing to quash the key rebel stronghold of Ajdabiya.
ROME, April 20 (RIA Novosti)