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The acting Libyan ambassador in Tanzania has called on the government there to recognize Libya’s National Transition Council.
Tanzania has not done . . .[restrict]so on the pretext that any country that has undergone a revolution must first have a new constitution and hold democratic elections before recognition can be extended.
Libya has been hard at work trying to meet such conditions, the acting ambassador, Mohamed Sassi said.
Tanzania recognizes a number of countries that do not have democratic elections, notably Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, North Korea and Cuba.
In an interview published on Thursday, 23 September, with Dar es-Salaam-based newspaper The Citizen, Sassi said the NTC had asked him to request Tanzania to accept and recognize it.
He said he was using the first anniversary of the 17 February Revolution to try and change Tanzania’s stand.
“We have invited the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe, to be the guest of honour” at the function to celebrate the annioversary, said Sassi.
Last November, Tanzania’s deputy foreign minister, Mahadhi Juma Maalim, said Tanzania was yet to be convinced to recognise the TNC. ?This caused dismay in Libya especially since the African Union’s criteria for recognition — an inclusive transitional government, reconciliation, a united Libyan people and an independent judiciary — were already being met and the demand for an independent parliament was on course for achievement in June.
Libya, Sassi said, wanted to cooperate with Tanzania on economic and political issues hoped to start a new chapter in its relations with the country. [/restrict]
