By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 16 February 2014:
Over 500 Libya-Americans have been taking the Libyan American Organization’s third conference taking place this . . .[restrict]weekend in Los Angeles. There would have been more but many who planned to attend were unable to do so because of the severe weather conditions in the north eastern USA, with over 3,000 flights cancelled.
The aim of the organisation, set up in September 2011, is to enable Libyan Americans to connect with each other and to promote Libyan heritage through educational and cultural events as well as promote Libya in the USA, including by lobbying the US Congress and government.
The conference, described by participants as a major success, included prominent businessman Husni Bey and Rihab Belhaj of the New Libya Foundation as keynote speakers and entertainment by celebrated Libyan musician Nasser El-Mezdawi and friends. There was also a Libyan American youth panel at which young Libya Americans discussed issues of concern.
The meeting also saw attendees pledging support to Libya in its transition and capacity building.
By meeting in Los Angeles, many of those at the event could also vote in the Constitutional Committee elections at the same time. Los Angeles is one of four polling stations in the USA. [/restrict]