New York, 26 September 2013:
The Prime Minister has said that members of the former regime living in neighbouring states have been involved in criminal activities which threaten Libya’s security and stability.
Speaking yesterday at the 68th UN General Assembly, he called on those countries – in effect Niger, Algeria and Egypt – to surrender them.
In his speech, he also called for foreign governments to help Libya recover looted funds hidden abroad. “From this podium, I urgently reiterate the call already sent to all States to cooperate with us and help us in detecting and recovering of those funds,” he aid.
The stolen assets are estimated to be worth over $100 billion, with a considerable proportion said to be in Africa.
In his speech, Ali Zeidan said that the Libyan people were building a modern democratic state but needed international support. “I should reassure the international community that Libya is moving steadily and confidently with a solid will and a genuine desire towards the establishment of the rule of law in which the respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the peaceful transfer of power prevail.”
However, he acknowledged that there were issues threatening Libya’s security in addition to attempts by former regime individuals to destabilise it. These include the smuggling of drugs ad arms and illegal immigration.
But, despite these issues, Libya was working positively with the international community for the reconstruction of the country and regional stability, he said – and doing so “as stipulated by the United Nations Charter and international laws and norms”.
He praised in particular the work of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) which he said was performing a “distinguished effort” in providing technical support, advice and training for the reconstruction of Libya as a democratic society. [/restrict]
