Libya's 'exiled prince' suggests monarchy's return

(BRUSSELS) - Muhammad al-Senussi, the heir apparent to Libya's overthrown monarch, voiced support Wednesday for the return of a constitutional monarchy to steer his country back to democracy.

Senussi told the European Parliament he was ready to help his country but that it was up to the Libyan people to choose their destiny if rebels prevail in their battle against Moamer Kadhafi's 42-year dictatorship.

"Let me stress that it is up to the Libyan people to decide whether they go down the road of a constitutional monarchy or that of a republic," he told the 27-nation European Union assembly.

Libya's 1951 constitution, which was amended in 1963, created a constitutional monarchy with his great uncle, Idris al-Mahdi al-Senussi, as the king, who was later overthrown by Kadhafi.

"It may not have been active for 42 years but, suitably updated, it could form the basis of a new Libya," the 48-year-old prince said.

"It is my belief that there is no more solid and sensible basis than the constitution available for political transition in Libya and neither is any likely to be agreed in the near term," he added.

"My own duty is clear," Senussi said.

"Whether the people want a return to a constitutional monarch or not, I will do everything I can to assist in creating a democratic state for Libyans based on a representative parliament chosen by free and fair elections."

Senussi said he has good relations with the Transitional National Council, the opposition group based in the eastern city of Benghazi.

But while he said he supports any group "working in the people's interest," he stressed that the TNC is "just that -- transitional."

The prince said he expects the TNC to move to Tripoli whenever Kadhafi falls, but "the existing body will need to make way for a new council made up of representatives from all over Libya, so they can have a referendum to choose the form of government they desire."

Senussi, who has lived in exile in Britain since 1988, was invited to Brussels by the parliament's European Conservatives and Reformists Group, which includes British Prime Minister David Cameron's party.