February 24, 2011 -- Seychelles has added its voice to the condemnation of the continued violence which has erupted in Libya.

President James Michel has welcomed the statement issued on Tuesday by the Security Council of the United Nations and the statement from the chairperson of the African Union Commission yesterday and said that both statements had the unreserved support of Seychelles. 

The Security Council and the African Union (AU) have condemned the Libyan authorities for using force against the protesters and demanded an immediate end to the violence.  

"We are deeply concerned by the disproportionate use of force against defenceless Libyan citizens. It is totally unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. We join with other members of the international community to call for an immediate end to the brutal repression of citizens," the President stated.

"We deplore the loss of lives and the destruction of property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence breeds violence. The only solution to the crisis in Libya is through dialogue and not through unbridled violence.  Seychelles firmly believes that development depends on stability, peace and security, the rule of law and the respect of human rights," concluded President Michel.

Seychelles also fully supports the efforts of the African Union to prevail on Libyan authorities and other actors to end the violence which further undermines the efforts of the region to pursue development peacefully.