New York, Nov 2 2011 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today made an unannounced visit to Tripoli, where they hailed the bravery of the Libyan people in throwing off tyranny and urged them to remain united in rebuilding the country.
Speaking to reporters in the capital, Mr. Ban said he was honoured to be visiting Tripoli at such a historic moment and to salute the people of Libya, who paid a heavy price for freedom.
On 23 October the National Transitional Council (NTC) <"http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40208&Cr=libya&Cr1=">declared the full liberation of Libya, more than eight months after the popular uprising began and days after the <"http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40120&Cr=Libya&Cr1=">death of long-time leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi.
The Secretary-General said the path to democracy was not easy, UN spokesperson Eduardo del Buey told reporters in New York, adding that building a State with effective and accountable institutions would take time.
Mr. Ban added that as Libya moves forward, it will be critical that the people find consensus on major issues and remain united. Libyans inspired the world in throwing off tyranny, and in building a future of peace and dignity for all, he was confident that they would inspire the world again.
In his remarks, Mr. Al-Nasser told reporters that the people of the North African nation have gone through a very painful and difficult transition that has claimed many lives and caused a lot of suffering.
"We congratulate the current Libyan leadership for the boldness and courage they have shown so far," he said. "We urge the Libyan authorities and everyone in a position of responsibility, as well as Libyan civil society, to continue to show exemplary leadership and create the atmosphere for freedom and prosperity for all."
Both Mr. Ban and the Assembly President pledged the continued support of the UN to help Libya on its important journey of reconciliation, reconstruction and democracy.
During their visit, they met with members of the NTC and civil society, as well as visited a mass grave site and talked with the families of the pro-revolution sympathizers who were killed there.
The UN has a mission on the ground, headed by the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Ian Martin, to support the Libyan people and their authorities as they work to rebuild.
Mr. Ban is now en route to Cannes, France, to attend the two-day summit of the world's Group of 20 largest economies (G-20) that begins tomorrow.
Nov 2 2011 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
No comments:
Post a Comment