The European Union (EU) on Monday welcomed the advance of Libyan opposition forces and urged them to protect civilians. \"We are witnessing the last moments of the Gaddafi regime. I call on Gaddafi to step down without further delay and avoid further bloodshed,\" the bloc\'s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement. She called on the National Transitional Council and opposition forces to ensure the protection of civilians, \"fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law and to act with responsibility in the interests of maintaining peace and stability throughout the country\". \"Today, Libya is entering a new era. I salute the courage of those who have fought to make this possible,\" Ashton said. \"It is now time to launch a process of transition towards a new Libya, in which democratic principles, justice and human rights are fully respected.\" \"The coming months and years will test the resourcefulness and determination of the Libyan people,\" she added. \"I have no doubt that they will rise to this challenge and that they will unite to ensure that Libya takes its place in the international community as a prosperous, stable and democratic state.\" Ashton said the EU would continue to offer support and would \"remain a strong and committed partner for the Libyan people\".