Brussels - Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement:

"I am very encouraged by the progress we made today in London. The meeting confirmed that the international community is united in its determination to implement swiftly UNSCRs 1970 and 1973 (2011) and that Colonel Kadhafi and his regime have completely lost legitimacy. We also reaffirmed our commitment to work together to assist a democratic transition in Libya. Above all, we have stressed that the future lies in the hands of the Libyan people.

As the European Council reiterated last week, Colonel Kadhafi should relinquish power immediately in order to allow Libya to rapidly embark on an orderly transition to democracy. To help with the political process and coordinate international support, the meeting today has agreed to establish an international contact group with the participation of the EU and key organizations like the United Nations, African Union and Arab League as well as other relevant partners and EU Member States.

From the start, the EU has responded quickly to the crisis in Libya. We have put in place tough economic sanctions against the Kadhafi regime; we have offered generous humanitarian support and are ready to step up our efforts. I have engaged constantly to make sure key international partners act in concert, particularly the United Nations, the Arab League and the African Union.

Together with key partners I will continue to work for a solution to the crisis which responds to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people, fostering dialogue and assisting a new Libya to build a prosperous and democratic future."