Swiss president hosts Libyan rebel

Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey on Wednesday met a member of Libya’s rebel leadership in the capital Bern, during which the Libyan outlined his group’s political programme.

During the meeting, Jebril El-Waalfarvi from the Libyan national council outlined “his view of the current situation as well as possible developments in Libya”, the Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement.

“At the same time, the Libyan guest gave an orientation of the demands and political programme of the National Transitional Council,” it added.

Libyan rebels seeking to overthrow the regime of strongman Moamer Kadhafi set up the council on March 5 and declared it the sole representative of the country.

Calmy-Rey, who is also the foreign minister, expressed concern about the difficult situation faced by the civilian population, who she said are suffering from the “targeted and abhorrent violence of the Libyan leaders”.