The Netherlands can take an important role in rebuilding Libya once the fighting in Tripoli is over, foreign affairs minister Uri Rosenthal told the press on Monday evening. In particular, he sees a role for the Dutch in setting up a new legal system.

The minister was speaking as fighting in the Libyan capital continued and Seif al-Islam made a surprise appearance to talk to journalists. On Monday afternoon the National Transitional Council announced it had captured Muammar Gaddafi’s son and his brother, Mohammed.
Rosenthal wants African and Arab countries to take a leading part in the reconstruction of Libya. There is a major role for the United Nations in turning the dictatorship into a democracy, but the part to be played by the European Union is also important, he said.
Setting up a new judiciary system is a typical role for the Dutch, the minister said. But any help must first be requested by the Libyan National Transitional Council.
The Netherlands was late in recognising the National Council but Rosenthal now says it is the only legitimate representative during the period leading up to free elections.