UN renews commitment to support Libya as new leaders declare liberation

The United Nations on Sunday renewed its commitment to help the people of Libya build a brighter future as the transitional authorities declared the full liberation of the North African nation, more than eight months after the popular uprising began.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the declaration made today in the city of Benghazi by the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) marks 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,” he said in a statement issued in New York.

“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,” he added.

The declaration by the NTC comes three days after the death of the country's long-time leader Muammar Qadhafi, who was killed in his hometown of Sirte on Thursday, bringing an end to eight months of conflict between Government forces and rebels that began when the pro-democracy movement started earlier this year.

“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,” stated Mr. Ban.

Attending the ceremonies today in Benghazi was the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Ian Martin, who is heading up the new UN mission set up to support the Libyan people and their authorities as they work to build a new future.