Tripoli, 17 February 2013:
On the second anniversary of the revolution, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has congratulated Libya on the progress it has made.
“Libya has come a long way in two years,” Hague said, “it has emerged from conflict, held free and fair elections, and opened up space for civil society and new media.” He added that the UK admired these achievements.
Hague said he was proud of the support the UK had been able to give the Libyan people during the revolution and he said it would continue to help Libya build its new state.
“We will stand by the Libyan people as they work to build a secure, free and prosperous future for their country,” said Hague.
Hague acknowledged that the country still faces challenges, including ensuring that Libya’s natural resources and wealth support economic opportunity and growth to the benefit of all Libyans. He also urged the GNC to continue working to promote justice, reconciliation and human rights.
“We are determined to help in any way we can,” Hague said. He added that assistance, particularly in the areas of security and economic reform, had been promised by the UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron on his visit to Tripoli in January.
“This will include providing technical and professional expertise to the Ministries of Interior, Defence and Justice, funding for projects promoting economic diversification and job creation, and continued support for civil society and the constitutional process,” said Hague.
The British Embassy in Libya also told the Libya Herald today that all its staff congratulated the Libyan people on the second anniversary of the 17 February Revolution. [/restrict]
