EU sets up office in Libya's rebel capital

BENGHAZI, Libya, May 23 (UPI) -- By setting up an office in the rebel capital of Libya, the European Union is putting its words into action, the EU's top foreign affairs official said.

France in March was one of the first countries to recognize the rebel-backed Transitional National Council as the legitimate leader of the Libyan people following a U.N. decision to support military action to protect civilians.

Europe's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton expressed initial hesitation but last week said from Strasbourg, France, the EU is interested in setting up an office in the rebel capital Benghazi.

Ashton said following a ceremony opening the official offices during the weekend that it was a signal to the Libyan people of Europe's alliances.

"Opening an EU office is an important signal of our support for the Libyan people," she said in a statement. "It is the EU putting words into action."

British Prime Minister David Cameron said during a May 12 meeting with Libyan Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil that there is no future for the country as long as Moammar Gadhafi remains in power.

Ashton during her talks with Jalil in Benghazi said her support for the TNC was emblematic of Europe's support for a future Libya.

"This support is not just for now but long into the future," she said.