Secretary-General, in Statement on Declaration of Liberation, Reiterates

 

United Nations Commitment to Help Libyans Build Brighter Future

 

The following statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued on 23 October:

Today in Benghazi, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) declared the full liberation of Libya, marking a historical juncture that signifies a people attaining their freedom after decades of dictatorship.

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.  From this day onward, the Libyan people will be in full charge of their future — a future that their new leaders have declared will be based on justice and national reconciliation.  Their commitment is to building accountable, democratic institutions, guided by respect for human rights and the rule of law, and to the transparent management of Libya’s resources to the benefit of all Libyans.

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, and now so many killed or disabled during the conflict.

My Special Representative for Libya attended the ceremonies today in Benghazi at which liberation was declared.  On this momentous day, the United Nations restates its commitment, through the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to support the Libyan people and their authorities as they work to build this brighter future.

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For information media • not an official record