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By Hadi Fornaji.
Tripoli, 6 July:
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has hailed tomorrow’s election as a cause for celebration for all Libyans, who . . .[restrict]have been denied the right of self-determination during the 42 years of the Qaddafi dictatorship.
In a video message to the Libyan people Ban said tht as the progress along the road to democracy: “On Saturday, you will exercise a right that you have been denied for more than four decades, the right to vote, the right to elect a new National Congress – this is a milestone in Libya’s long march toward democracy”
Ban continued that the UN was proud to have assisted at the birth of an independent Libya. He praised Libyans for all that they had achieved in such a short time.
“ We will stand by you as you build a fully free and democratic state,” he continued.“This is, truly, a moment for national celebration. We all know the road to democracy is long and hard.
“We share your aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Libya, founded on the principles of justice, human rights, inclusiveness and accountability.”
Ian Martin, The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), echoed his chief’s comments, describing tomorrow’s poll as being an important step in Libya’s road to recovery and democracy. He added that it was one part of the process of addressing key issues in the country’s transition, such as ensuring public security, promoting human rights, tackling arms proliferation and ensuring border security.
Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Libyan people can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jawYAJCr45A [/restrict]
