Tripoli, 11 May:
Thousands of Tripoli residents demonstrated in Martyrs’ Square on Friday demanding the removal of arms and the evacuation of . . .[restrict]unofficial armed groups.
They demanded the activation of the National Army and the conscription of all armed groups under its umbrella.
The demonstration that was under the banner of ‘One Libyan voice – no militias or brigades’ included members of the NTC, Tripoli Local Council, NGOs and representatives of the National Army.
The demonstrators called for the activation of the legal system, the National Army and the collection of arms in order to achieve safety, security and stability. This would allow for the taking part of free, fair, transparent election to choose the members of the National Congress at their preset time.
They assured the need to support the National Army and the vacating of the military barracks from armed groups, who should leave the city if they are not willing to join under the umbrella of the National Army. They also called for the vacating of all public property in Tripoli and its return to its official legal bodies.
This demonstration, which was organised a while ago, took on more meaning and attracted a lot more support after one of the official guards died at the Prime Minister’s office last Tuesday (8 May) after an armed group opened fire on them. A second guard died as a result of his wounds the next day in hospital.
The group had initially arrived to negotiate better financial terms and benefits with the government, but turned violent when the government did not give agree to their demands. [/restrict]
