OTTAWA (AFP) ? Libya faces a long transition from dictatorship to democracy or "from Kadhafi to Thomas Jefferson," Canada's top diplomat said Monday after meeting with Libyan rebels in Benghazi.
"The National Transitional Council represents the best hope for the future of Libya," Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird told journalists in a conference call after meeting with Libya's rebel National Transitional Council.
"I think we have to be realistic," he added. "We're not going to move from Kadhafi to Thomas Jefferson (the principal author of America's Declaration of Independence and third US president) overnight.
"But certainly on the fact-finding mission today I saw a lot of good people that can make a positive difference for the future of Libya.
"The one thing I can say categorically is that they can't be any worse than Colonel Kadhafi."
On his first major visit as foreign minister, Baird earlier vowed to be a "strong friend" to Libya as he met rebel leaders.
He said he had been "incredibly moved by the courage, the determination" of those fighting against Moamer Kadhafi.
Canada had already recognized Libya's National Transitional Council before Baird's visit, which came as NATO allies marked the 100th day of their bombing campaign in the country.
Ottawa has contributed six F-18 fighter planes and a frigate and the NATO mission is led by a Canadian.
During the trip, which was unannounced, Baird welcomed the NTC's vision for the country and said that "Canada wants to be a part of that important transition."
Baird became Canadian foreign minister in May, tapped by returning Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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