GNA Prime Minister-designate Serraj addresses Libya on independence anniversary

By Libya Herald reporter.

Tripoli, 25 December 2015:

Faiez Serraj, the Prime Minister-elect of the Government of National Accord (GNA) addressed the Libyan people on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Libya’s independence. His broadcast was carried last night on a number of Libyan satellite TV stations.

”In the name of Allah the Most Merciful. Fellow citizens, Peace be upon you.

I am addressing you today as head of the Government of National accord. This consensus, long awaited by Libyans, came after long and painstaking rounds of dialogue and negotiation; which have cost us dearly in terms of sovereignty, stability and the unity of our territory. Our citizens have paid a heavy price with the lives of our children, property, security and livelihood.

We believe that Libya is a homeland for all Libyans –  our different sects and diverse constituencies – and our homeland will only built through dialogue and consensus. We are in dire need of fostering a culture of dialogue as a community: “we” not “I”. And to work seriously to support and strengthen this culture. The formation of this government is only the first step of this first stage .

My fellow citizens We are convinced that what unites us as Libyans is far greater than what divides us: past, present and future God willing. We share a common past, in the resistance of our fathers and grandfathers against colonization and their long battle for independence and the building of their nation.

Today marks the sixty-fourth anniversary of this independence. On this glorious occasion, I extend warm congratulations to all Libyan men and women and pray to the Almighty that this anniversary brings our homeland security and stability. We share a present in the resistance of our children and grandchildren in their struggle against tyranny and dictatorship.

We all will share a future in the battle to save our country from the clutches of terrorism and to lay the foundations of our state –  to build a modern state based on the values of justice, democracy and the peaceful rotation of power; those values which were the core for the February 17th revolution. This battle is a responsibility shared between all Libyans without exception. Media, civil society, businessmen, politicians, Intellectuals, tribal chiefs, dignitaries and the youth – whom we believe are the foundation of our nation-building, and above all this Government.

A Government from your sons and daughters, by you, for you and with you. We face significant challenges, the source of our strength is not a magic wand but it is your backing and your support for us. We trust in your awareness of the dangers facing our nation. We rely a great deal on your knowledge that this period requires a great sense of national responsibility, and patience during a period that will require each to contribute and fulfill their duty before demanding. Fellow citizens…

The first of our challenges is the security and the chaos of weapons proliferation, which is contrary to the concept of the state’s monopoly on the use of force. The state monopoly on the use of force is what allows it to impose its sovereignty over the entire state and enables it to establish security, rule of law and respect for human rights.

All of this can only be achieved through effective institutions, namely the army, police and judiciary. The second of these challenges is the economic and public services, which require critical and urgent reform and procedures to ensure the essential provisions to citizens and the flow of basic services to end their suffering, especially in conflict areas.

The third of these challenges is national reconciliation, which requires us all to intensify our efforts to heal the rift, end the humanitarian crisis, and alleviate the suffering of many in our social fabric that the conflict turned into refugees and displaced, inside and outside the country. We will face those challenges tirelessly, through a clear vision of the objectives and mechanisms to achieve them in the shortest possible time.

While at the same time not ignoring the other pressing issues, we aim to achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people with transparency and the integrity of the state institutions and establishing the principle of accountability.

We affirm in this context our belief that public service is a responsibility not a reward. Effectiveness and ability to accomplish is our main criteria in selections and appointments, mindful of inclusiveness and geographical balance to benefit citizens and addressing the abhorrent centralization and marginalization. Fellow citizens…

We assure you that we are determined to confront the extremist terrorist groups that seek to undermine the unity of Libya, its territorial integrity and targets the lives of its citizens, their security and stability in Benghazi, Sirte, Derna, and other areas under threat…

To tackle this imminent danger is the responsibility of all Libyans but above all the Government. This Government will do its utmost to maintain the sovereignty of Libya and the consolidation of its role as a supporter of peace and security, economic development; regionally and internationally through co-ordination with neighbouring countries and friendly countries in the international community to ensure excellent relations of good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and common interests.

We will seek to benefit from the international momentum in support of Libya and employ it to achieve our national interests; security, border protection, stability and prosperity.

God save Libya and save its people.

Peace, Mercy and Allah blessings be upon you” [/restrict]