Relief at release of Bulgarian nurses but Libya must still prove itself a reliable partner

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Jul 2007

Welcoming today's release of 5 Bulgarian nurses and a Bulgarian and Palestinian doctor from a Libyan prison after 8 years of detention and several years facing a possible death sentence, Graham Watson, Liberal and Democrat group leader in the European Parliament commented:

"We are all clearly relieved that this tragic affair and unjust detention over such a long period has finally ended with the release of the nurses to their native Bulgaria."

"I am convinced that the increased media attention, the diplomatic efforts and the political pressure in recent months since Bulgaria became a full Member of the European Union has played a part in raising the profile of this case."

"Though the 8 long years in a Libyan jail must have been a harrowing experience, Libya's decision to commute the death sentences and then free the nurses will avoid a return to international isolation.

"Libya should not be rewarded for its belated decision but this news will nevertheless assist in the normalisation of relations and open the possibility for closer cooperation through the Euro-Med partnership framework. Libya still has to demonstrate that it can be a reliable partner in the long term."