Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the death of Muammar Gaddafi signalled the end of a bloody chapter for the Libyan people and the start of “a bigger challenge to give birth to a democratic process”.

“News of somebody’s death is always ugly but for the Libyan people it means the start of a new chapter that we hope will translate into a better life for our neighbouring country,” Dr Gonzi said in a brief statement that was broadcast live on TVM.

He said Malta, within its limitations, would continue offering solidarity to the Libyan people as it had done throughout the conflict.

Dr Gonzi augured that the new Libya would be “united and strong” with a future designed by its own people.

“The road that they have embarked upon is not an easy one. The war was ugly but the Libyan people now face a bigger challenge to give birth to a democratic process and in this they will find the support of the Maltese people,” Dr Gonzi said.

The comments were made a few hours after the Libyan transitional government confirmed that Col Gaddafi was killed during the last assault on his home town of Sirte yesterday.

The Labour Party said it hoped the bloodshed would end so that the country could move towards reconciliation and Libyans could embrace democracy.

It said it understood that a number of measures needed to be implemented over time for the country to fulfil its dream of a free democratic Libya. Spokesman George Vella added the party would offer help to Libyan people to achieve democracy.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com