United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-
moon has termed the liberation of Libya after decades of
dictatorship as "a historical juncture" that will pave way for
a new future that ensures respect for human rights and rule of
law for the Libyans.
"Today marks an occasion for Libyans to celebrate, to
look forward to a future of liberties and opportunities, from
the right to express an opinion freely to the right to elect
their own government," Ban said.
The declaration by the Libyan National Transitional
Council comes three days after the death of the country`s
long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi who was killed in his
hometown of Sirte last week, bringing an end to eight months
of conflict between government forces and rebels that began
when the pro-democracy movement started earlier this year.
Ban said the United Nations is committed, through its
support mission in Libya, to help the Libyan people and their
authorities as they work to build a new country.
He said the end of the war is only the beginning of what
Libyan fighters, youth and women have struggled for.
"Their determination now is to build a truly new Libya,
overcoming the grim legacy of human rights abuse and
corruption".
The Libyan people will now be in full charge of their
future which their new leaders have declared will be based on
justice and national reconciliation.
The new leaders of Libya should honour their commitment to
build accountable democratic institutions, guided by respect
for human rights and rule of law, and to the transparent
management of Libya`s resources for the benefit of all
Libyans.
PTI
