Tripoli, 1 November:
The head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Tarek Mitri, has welcomed the formation of the new Libyan government,
Congratulating Prime Minister Ali Zeidan and members of his cabinet, as well as the General National Congress for moving the democratic transition forward, Mitri nonetheless pointed to the “many” challenges the new government faces.
These, he said, include the building of security institutions, promoting national reconciliation as well as upholding the rule of law, securing human rights and implementing transitional justice.
“In meeting these challenges, the support of the Libyan people to its democratically elected state institutions is essential”, said Mitri who is also the Special Representative in Libya of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The recent events in Bani Walid, he stressed, highlighted “the urgent need” for Libyans to take part in dialogue, work together towards national reconciliation and “strengthen State civilian and security institutions to affirm the authority of the Libyan State over its national territory and ensure protection of all citizens and stability in the country”.
The UN remained committed to a democratic and prosperous Libya, he added, and it would “fully support” the new government and the Libyan people. It would continue to work closely with both the government and the GNC. [/restrict]
