The EU this morning issued a last-minute appeal to beleaguered Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi urging him to let go and avoid further bloodshed.

Foreign Policy chief, Commissioner Catherine Ashton reiterated the EU’s stance that Colonel Gaddafi has no other option but to leave.

“We are witnessing the last moments of the Gaddafi regime,” Ms Ashton said in her statement issued in Brussels.

“I call on Gaddafi to step down without further delay and avoid further bloodshed.”

At the same time, the EU reconfirmed the commitment of its 27 member states to help “build a new Libya.”

“It is now time to launch a process of transition towards a new Libya, in which democratic principles, justice and human rights are fully respected. The coming months and years will test the resourcefulness and determination of the Libyan people.

I have no doubt that they will rise to this challenge and that they will unite to ensure that Libya takes its place in the international community as a prosperous, stable and democratic state,” Ms Ashton said.

The EU’s Foreign Policy boss said that the EU will continue to offer support and will remain a strong and committed partner for the Libyan people.

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