PM optimistic about Libya future
Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the newly appointed Libyan charge d'affaires to Downing Street where he underlined his "optimism" for Libya's democratic future. External site: [Foreign Secretary welcomes re-opening of Libyan Embassy (9 August 2011)](http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=641991282)
Mr Mahmud Nacua attended a meeting at Number 10 alongside seven representatives from the Libyan community in the UK.
They discussed the recent military progress by the Free Libyan Forces in the country, their hopes for the future of Libya, and how the National Transitional Council could best deliver these.
Last month the Foreign Office invited the National Transitional Council (NTC) to take over the Libyan embassy in London - and representatives moved in last week.
Opening the meeting, Mr Cameron said he had earlier conducted a “very positive” phone conversation with NTC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil where they discussed the situation on the ground and the notable progress by the Free Libyan Forces over the course of the last week.
The PM said:
I think this is a moment not to be complacent at all, but optimistic that we are getting closer to the future that many of us talked about round that table downstairs in the Cabinet Office.
It has taken time but I think we are heading in the right direction and I think it is a good opportunity to share today some of the perspectives on what needs to happen next.
Mr Cameron also spoke to President Sarkozy earlier today. They discussed developments in Libya, in particular the progress made by the Free Libya Forces this week in the towns of Zawiya and Gharyan.
They agreed that NATO continues to achieve its mandate of protecting civilians and that we are edging closer to the day when the Libyan people will be free to choose their own future. And they discussed the vital role that the National Transitional Council has played.